Imperial College renames library to honour physicist Abdus Salam

Imperial College London has renamed its Central Library the Abdus Salam Library in recognition of the Nobel Prize-winning physicist.

A premier university in London, England, it was founded by Queen Victoria's consort Prince Albert. Imperial is also regularly ranked amongst the top 10 best universities in the world.

Professor Salam made a major contribution to quantum field theory and in the advancement of mathematics at Imperial College London. He also co-founded the Theoretical Physics Department at Imperial College.

"Throughout his career, the Nobel Prize winning Professor of Theoretical Physics Abdus Salam made a tremendous contribution to Imperial, as well as to the world of physics and science more generally. It is right that we do more to celebrate this legacy. I hope the new Abdus Salam Library inspires many more people in the years to come," said President Hugh Brady.

The university's management board decided to rename the Central Library after Professor Salam as part of its response to a report by the History Group. The report focuses on the varsity's associations with historical figures and undercelebrated people from the institution's past.

"Recognising the contribution of academics like Professor Salam is a key part of Imperial’s response to this report. Further work is underway to respond to its findings, including other initiatives to recognise undercelebrated individuals like Professor Salam, both physically around our campuses, through portraiture or through scholarships," said the statement on the university's website. 

Abdus Salam was honoured with a Nobel Prize for his work in physics at Stockholm, Sweden in 1979. He was Pakistan's first Nobel laureate and worked to improve the scientific base of students hailing from the developing world. He also advocated for the peaceful use of nuclear technology.