To mark the upcoming closure of the historic Adrian Building, the former Department of Genetics, Genomics and Cancer Sciences (GGCS) the University of Leicester will host a special public event this weekend.
The event will take place this Saturday (October 11) at 1:30pm, in Lecture Theatre 2 of the Sir Bob Burgess Building on Welford Road.
Over the past 60 years, the Adrian Building has been home to pioneering departments including Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry, and Genetics. It has served as the backdrop to many landmark scientific breakthroughs—most notably, the discovery of genetic fingerprinting by Sir Alec Jeffreys. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the publication of that groundbreaking research.
Professor Turi King (photo courtesy of Carl Vivian)
The commemorative event will feature speakers who worked directly with Sir Alec, alongside current and former representatives from each of the building’s associated departments. Together, they will reflect on the Adrian’s influential past and explore how its scientific legacy continues to shape the future.
Among the event highlights is a keynote talk by Professor Turi King, who led the DNA analysis that confirmed the identity of King Richard III’s remains, famously discovered beneath a Leicester car park. She will close the event with a presentation inspired by her BBC Two series, DNA Family Secrets, co-hosted with Stacey Dooley. The programme uses cutting-edge genetics to help individuals reconnect with lost relatives and uncover family mysteries.
Professor Charalambos Kyriacou, a behavioural geneticist, said: “The Adrian Building has an extraordinary history – it has housed some of the most influential scientists of our time. Sir Alec Jeffreys’ invention of genetic fingerprinting and Professor Turi King’s identification of Richard III are just two examples of the world-changing work that happened here.
This event is our way of honouring the building’s legacy, bringing together voices from the past and present to celebrate its role in advancing science and its impact on the wider world.”
Professor Turi King added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of this event. I spent 23 years in the Adrian Building—it became like a second home to me. I’m really looking forward to returning, revisiting the Department of Genetics, and reconnecting with old colleagues and friends.”
The event is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate the scientific achievements and global impact of the Adrian Building and its researchers.
? Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, October 11
- Time: 1:30pm
- Location: Sir Bob Burgess Building, Lecture Theatre 2, Welford Road, University of Leicester
- Register: www.le.ac.uk/adrian-fingerprinting-commemoration
