The pioneering work of Professor Jean Hanson, 1919-1973

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the publication in Nature of two papers that independently proposed the 'sliding filament mechanism' of muscle contraction: one by the biologist Jean Hanson and her colleague Hugh Huxley and the other by the unrelated Andrew Huxley and Ralph Niedergerke.

This online exhibition celebrates the life and explores the discoveries of Hanson - one of the most influential researchers to have worked at King's in modern times.

Her work has led to an understanding of how athletes can run faster and develop greater stamina by providing an insight into the molecular secrets of locomotion. It has made recovery from injury and disease speedier and more complete, in particular by a greater knowledge of the operation of muscles such as those belonging to the heart, and it has paved the way for the next generation of research into the creation of artificial muscle.

This exhibition complements a display of photographs and original research notes by Jean Hanson that is on show from 20 May in the entrance to New Hunt's House at King's Guy's Hospital campus.

Other exhibitions captured online to celebrate the College's 175th anniversary include a detailed exploration of the work of Hanson's co-workers Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin in the discovery of DNA, as well as students rags and on the origins and early history of King's College, that can be viewed at www.kcl.ac.uk/archives/coexhib.html.