The scientific world mourns the loss of Professor Chris Calladine, FRS, whose brilliant, cross-disciplinary mind illuminated the hidden mechanics of life and the man-made world. He passed away on 31st August 2025, at the age of 89.
Calladine was a rare breed of academic, a Cambridge University professor who moved with effortless authority between the fields of engineering and molecular biology. He was best known for his ground-breaking work on the structure and behaviour of DNA, providing a definitive explanation for the fundamental mechanics of the double helix that underpins all life.
From Railway Engineering to the Double Helix
Born in 1935, Calladine's early career focused on traditional engineering, including significant work on the dynamic behaviour of railway vehicles. However, his intellectual curiosity knew no bounds. His 1970s collaboration with Horace Drew on the textbook Understanding DNA became a scientific bible, running to three editions and translating into multiple languages.
The book's genius lay in applying straightforward engineering principles to explain DNA's intricate shapes and functions. "He was able to explain things that others couldn't," a colleague noted, highlighting his unique gift for clarity.
A Legacy of Interdisciplinary Insight
Beyond DNA, Calladine's engineering mind tackled a stunning array of challenges. His research portfolio spanned from the swimming mechanics of bacteria to the flight dynamics of insects, the elegant geometry of spider webs, and even the structural principles of iconic buildings like the Salisbury Cathedral spire.
Colleagues remember him not just for his intellect, but for his character: a modest, unassuming man who cycled around Cambridge, was a passionate environmentalist, and cherished his family life with his wife Jill and their three children. He was a Fellow of St John's College for over half a century, a cornerstone of its intellectual community.
Professor Chris Calladine's career stands as a powerful testament to the value of interdisciplinary thinking. He demonstrated that the principles governing a bridge could also explain the molecule of life, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire scientists and engineers for generations to come.
