Scientific research 'threatened', says DNA founder

Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, who discovered DNA fingerprinting, said it was vital that academics were allowed to carry on conducting "curiosity-driven" research.

A quarter of a century ago the scientist, now 59, stumbled across the development in a “eureka” moment.

Speaking at an event celebrating the 25th anniversary, he said “blue skies” research was “the ultimate engine of all scientific and technological evolution” and warned that “you lose that at your peril”.

Sir Alec said attempts to set too many priorities and strategies in research led to “factory science” which worked towards predictable outcomes.
Daily Telegraph