Nobel laureate, James Watson, yesterday announced his plans for retirement.

Watson was suspended from his duties when he made racial comments in a Sunday Times interview. Dr Watson claimed to be “inherently gloomy” about going to Africa because he believed that black people were not as intelligent as white people. He later apologised for these remarks but only after several institutions cancelled scheduled talks by the doctor.

The 79 year old scientist, who is one half of the famous Watson and Crick, played a huge role in the discovery of the structure of DNA. James Watson and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York announced his retirement yesterday.

Dr Watson said in a statement that he felt his retirement was overdue because of his age. He also said that the circumstances are not those which he anticipated or desired.

The lab said they respected Dr Watson’s decision to retire at this point in time.