In an online poll of 432 researchers, the discovery of the structure of DNA has been voted the most important contribution to science made by researchers at UK universities.

The discovery of the double-helix model of DNA was made by Cambridge University researchers James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. A plaque outside the Eagle, a public house in Bene’t Street, commemorates the discoverers of the double helix: Crick and Watson often frequented the pub after work. The technology is crucial to modern forensic science: DNA was first used to secure a murder conviction in 1988.

The existence of DNA was suggested by the Swiss scientist Friedrich Miescher in 1869, but the structure of the acid’s molecules was first deduced by Crick and Watson.

Other scientific discoveries in the running included quantum-well lasers, which are the technology behind CDs and DVDs. These were discovered by researchers at the University of Surrey, and placed fifth.

The contraceptive pill, which was discovered by a researcher at the University of Manchester in 1961, placed fourth in the survey.