Preserving ICTP's Scientific Heritage

With the ICTP Library undergoing an exciting transformation to become a more dynamic, flexible, and accessible resource for the entire ICTP community—including a major expansion of digital resources—the digitization of the Abdus Salam Archive emerged as a natural and complementary initiative to preserve the Centre’s historical legacy.

Preserving the Legacy of Abdus Salam

The digitization of the archives of ICTP’s founder, Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam is another important project that falls under the purview of the Library. Currently stored securely at ICTP, the archive includes personal documents and notebooks, correspondence, and even the original hand-written draft of Salam’s 1979 Nobel Prize speech. These materials are a treasure trove of scientific and historical significance but are currently accessible only by appointment.

Thanks to a generous contribution from members of Salam’s family—particularly the Rahman family, including Aziza Rahman, Salam’s eldest daughter, her husband Hamid and their four children (Faiz, Saif, Aysha and Azeem)—this invaluable archive will be fully digitized. The project will preserve these materials against potential loss and make them accessible to scholars and the public around the world. This effort ensures that Salam’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists.

Together, these initiatives mark a significant step forward in making ICTP’s library a hub for innovation, access, and preservation.

If you are interested in supporting the library project, please contact ICTP's advancement unit at advancement@ictp.it. For information about the archives, contact Eva Babonich, Head of the Library, at babonich@ictp.it.