John Desmond Bernal was a prominent British scientist known for his work in the fields of crystallography and molecular biology. Born on May 10, 1903, he made significant contributions to the understanding of the structure of complex molecules, including proteins and viruses. His research helped lay the groundwork for modern biochemistry and structural biology. In addition to his scientific achievements, Bernal was an advocate for the application of science in addressing social issues. He believed in the importance of using scientific knowledge for the betterment of society and was involved in various initiatives promoting science education and public understanding of science throughout his career.