Abdus Salam

Abdus Salam was born on January 29, 1926, in Jhang, which at the time was part of British India and is now in Pakistan. He was born into a family with a strong academic and religious background, which significantly influenced his education and career. From an early age, Salam showed a remarkable aptitude for mathematics and science, standing out for his academic achievements.

Abdus Salam obtained his PhD in theoretical physics from Cambridge University on May 31, 1951. He worked on quantum electrodynamics, deriving new insights into the renormalization of meson theories. His contributions earned him recognition among leading physicists, setting the stage for his illustrious career in theoretical physics.

In 1960, Abdus Salam played a pivotal role in founding the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH). Serving as a crucial platform for the research and development of nuclear science in Pakistan, PINSTECH aimed to advance the country's scientific capabilities, especially in nuclear technology, and produce a trained nuclear workforce.

On June 1, 1974, Abdus Salam was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, sharing it with Sheldon Lee Glashow and Steven Weinberg for their contributions to electroweak unification, which is a fundamental force accounting for both electromagnetic and weak interactions. Salam's work on the electroweak theory was a groundbreaking achievement, solidifying his status as a leading physicist.

In July 1980, Abdus Salam established the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. His vision for ICTP was to provide scientists from developing countries access to advanced research facilities and to foster international collaboration in physics and mathematics. Salam's efforts helped bridge a gap in scientific knowledge and resources between the global north and south.

In May 1983, the Abdus Salam Centre for Physics was founded in Pakistan, named in his honor. The center aims to promote and support research in physics and related disciplines within the country. This initiative reflects Salam's lifelong commitment to enhancing scientific research capabilities and nurturing young physicists in developing nations.

Abdus Salam passed away on November 21, 1994, in Oxford, England. He had been suffering from progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disease, which led to his untimely death at the age of 70. Salam's death marked the end of a monumental scientific career, but his legacy continues to inspire countless scientists around the world.

On November 23, 1998, a special remembrance event was held to honor Abdus Salam's contributions to science and his work in promoting scientific research in developing countries. The event highlighted Salam's achievements, including his Nobel Prize-winning work in theoretical physics and his founding of ICTP, which continues to support physicists worldwide.

In 2009, the 5th international conference on physics dedicated to Abdus Salam took place in Pakistan. This conference, aimed at fostering scientific dialogue and collaboration, brought together experts in the field of theoretical physics. The event underscored Salam's lasting impact on the global scientific community and his role in advancing physics research in Pakistan.

On October 8, 2021, ICTP celebrated the anniversary of its founding with events recognizing Abdus Salam's visionary role in creating a hub for scientific development accessible to researchers from around the world. These celebrations highlighted Salam's commitment to bridging scientific disparities and fostering international cooperation in fundamental physics.