Sir Alec's breakthrough has transformed crime investigations

Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, from the University of Leicester, discovered certain DNA fragments were unique to individuals more than 20 years ago.

As the fragments were passed on from parent to child, he realised the identification technique could be used for forensics and transplant biology.

He will be given a Lasker award for Clinical Medical Research.

It is America's most distinguished honour in the field.

Nineteen scientists, who have received the award in the past 15 years, have gone on to win Nobel Prizes.