JBS Haldane FRS (1892–1964), geneticist and mathematical biologist

John Burdon Sanderson Haldane, an eminent and co-founder of the 'synthetic theory of evolution', was employed by the John Innes Trustees, under the Directorship of Sir Daniel Hall, for ten years (1927-37) on a part-time basis whilst at the University of Cambridge.

Unable to find a suitable person to lead the genetical research at John Innes, Hall convinced the Trustees to employ Haldane in an advisory capacity, to which Haldane firmly adhered, never once performing any experiments whilst at John Innes. He finally resigned his part-time position when Daniel Hall was asked by the Trustees to continue as Director at a time when perhaps Haldane felt he might have been offered the post.

There is little doubt that Haldane's contribution during those years ensured the continued development of genetical research at John Innes and maintained the foundations laid by William Bateson our first Director.

The painting below produced by artist Leonie Woolhouse illustrates the scientific career of JBS Haldene. It is possible to 'zoom' in and around the image via your mouse or the controls at the bottom of the image.

Reproduced from an original painting by Leonie Woolhouse