Abdus Salam

Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam (January 29, 1926–November 21, 1996) received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1979 for his work in electroweak theory which is the mathematical and conceptual synthesis of the electromagnetic and weak interactions, the latest stage reached until now on the path towards a unification theory describing the fundamental forces of nature. Salam, Sheldon Glashow and Steven Weinberg arrived at the theory independently and shared the prize. The validity of the theory was ascertained through experiments carried out at the Super Proton Synchrotron facility at CERN in Geneva, particularly the discovery of the W and Z bosons.

Related Topics:
January 29 - 1926 - November 21 - 1996 - Nobel Prize - Physics - 1979 - Electroweak theory - Sheldon Glashow - Steven Weinberg - Super Proton Synchrotron - CERN - Geneva - W and Z bosons

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

During the early 1970s Salam played a role in starting Pakistan's Atomic Energy Commission. Founder and Director of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy from 1964 to December 1993, Salam was a firm believer that "scientific thought is the common heritage of mankind", and that developing nations needed to help themselves and invest into their own scientists to boost development and fill the gap between the rich North and the poor South of the planet, thus contributing to a more peaceful world. Salam also founded the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and was instrumental in the creation of a number of international centres dedicated to the advancement of science and technology.

Related Topics:
1970 - Pakistan - ICTP - Trieste - Italy - North - South - TWAS

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Salam died in Oxford in 1996, after a long illness. He was buried in Pakistan where he was born.

Related Topics:
Oxford - Pakistan

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Although he belonged to the Ahmadiyya Muslim sect (considered heretical by many Muslims) Salam is generally admired by Pakistanis as their country's first Nobel Laureate, some religious zealots not withstanding.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~