The great and politically incorrect
The story is more suitable for a good Christmas movies than in real life, is now being discussed all over the world. Its main heroes were the great biologist James Watson and Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov .
86-year-old American James Watson won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in far 1962 – along with the Francis Crick and Maurice HF Wilkins , he was awarded for the discovery of the structure of the DNA molecule.
Watson is one of the most influential biologists of our time. Since 1989 he has headed the project “Human Genome” in deciphering the sequence of human DNA.
In this case, Watson, known for his bold, to say the least, statements, because of which it threatened to prosecute. In 2007, he allowed himself unheard of, saying that different races have different intellectual abilities, which is enshrined at the genetic level.
The champions of political correctness hit the biologist with sharp criticism, which eventually led to the resignation from the post of scientist lab.
Perhaps it is the consequences of long-standing scandal caused that Watson began to feel the urgent need for funds to continue research.
Medal with a hammer
so acute that he has decided to auction his Nobel medal. Watson announced his intention to transfer part of the proceeds to the institutions where he studied and worked, including Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, University of Chicago and Clare College.
In the auction house Christie’s, who led the bid, said that for the first time the Nobel medal sells now living laureate.
Trades were held on December 4. Nobel medal was purchased by the buyer, who wished to remain anonymous, for 4.7 million dollars. Scientist himself, by his own admission, was watching the auction “with an open mouth,” because he was sure that the reward will be sold for much less money. For example, the reward of his colleagues after the death of Francis Crick scientist was sold at auction for the heirs of 2.27 million dollars.
December 9 story was completely unexpected turn. Learned the name of the buyer r ewards. It proved to be one of the richest men in Russia, Alisher Usmanov. As it turned out, the award tycoon bought to … bring her owner.
Billionaire restores justice
Press office issued a statement businessman Usmanov. “I consider unacceptable situation in which an outstanding scientist sells awards received for their achievements. James Watson – one of the greatest biologists of the history of mankind, and his reward for the discovery of the DNA structure should belong to him. I appreciate his contribution to the development of modern science. Mr. Watson’s work contributed to the research on anti-cancer, from which my father died. Important to me that my money will be spent on research, and will reward a person who deserved it like no other. I did not want to medal outstanding scientist was the subject of bargaining “, – explained the reasons for his action billionaire.
Where exactly and when James Watson returned his Nobel medal, while not precisely known. It is possible that this will happen in Russia.
Of course, the act of Alisher Usmanov became the subject of extensive discussion. Someone admires him, someone finds a clever PR move. Recall and ambiguous statements Watson, because of which he lost his sponsors and was forced to sacrifice in search of the Nobel prize.
But, be that as it may, the James Watson – really great scholar, and bonus awarded to him in 1962, was absolutely deserved. And her return current owner – a real Christmas story.
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