Professor of aesthetics Sir Roger Scruton (1944–2020) was a lecturer and professor at Birkbeck from 1971–1992. He is... View More

Professor of aesthetics Sir Roger Scruton (1944–2020) was a lecturer and professor at Birkbeck from 1971–1992. He is the author of more than 50 publications. In the 2016 Queen's Birthday Honours, he received a knighthood for his contributions to public education, philosophy, and teaching. View Less

JD Bernal, crystallographer (1901–1971): The department of crystallography at Birkbeck was founded by JD Bernal. Durin... View More

JD Bernal, crystallographer (1901–1971): The department of crystallography at Birkbeck was founded by JD Bernal. During World War II, Bernal would earn the title of "world's wisest man." Through his efforts to promote peace while serving as President of the World Peace Council (1958–1965), his intellectual influence reached beyond the realm of science. View Less

Annie Besant, social reformer (1847–1933): In the late nineteenth century, Annie Besant attended Birkbeck. She was a c... View More

Annie Besant, social reformer (1847–1933): In the late nineteenth century, Annie Besant attended Birkbeck. She was a contentious student at the time; the College Governors disagreed with her anti-religious beliefs. She was a fervent supporter of birth control, secularism, Fabian socialism, women's rights, and workers' rights. After relocating to India in 1893, she became a member of the Indian National Congress. In 1916, she founded the Home Rule League, which actively supported Indian self-government. View Less

Birkbeck College was founded by George Birkbeck (1776–1841). In addition to being a physician, Dr. George Birkbeck was... View More

Birkbeck College was founded by George Birkbeck (1776–1841). In addition to being a physician, Dr. George Birkbeck was a scholar and philanthropist. By founding the London Mechanics' Institution, which subsequently changed its name to Birkbeck College, he initiated a revolution in the educational system of London in 1823. View Less

The Nobel Prize-winning poet, playwright, and literary critic TS Eliot (1888–1965) briefly taught English at Birkbeck ... View More

The Nobel Prize-winning poet, playwright, and literary critic TS Eliot (1888–1965) briefly taught English at Birkbeck in 1915. View Less

X-ray crystallographer and biophysicist Rosalind Franklin (1920–1958): Rosalind Franklin was a biophysicist and X-ray ... View More

X-ray crystallographer and biophysicist Rosalind Franklin (1920–1958): Rosalind Franklin was a biophysicist and X-ray crystallographer who significantly advanced our knowledge of the intricate molecular structures of viruses, coal, graphite, DNA, and RNA. She collaborated with Aaron Klug as a Research Fellow at Birkbeck in the 1950s, helping to uncover the structure of RNA. Many believe that because she died so young, she was not awarded the Nobel Prize. View Less