University‌ ‌of‌ ‌Cambridge‌ ‌names‌ ‌chemistry‌ ‌department‌ ‌after‌ ‌Indian‌ ‌scientist‌ ‌ Yusuf‌ ‌Hamied‌

The University of Cambridge has announced that its department of chemistry will be renamed after Indian pharmaceutical giant Cipla’s non-executive chairman Yusuf Hamied. Hamied, an Indian scientist, has played a predominant role in the university's recent efforts to impart world-class education. Through the Hamied Scholars Programme, he funded the university to attract the brightest academic talent in chemistry from around the world. The programme aims to facilitate cutting-edge research and attract early-career researchers and doctoral students.

“As a scholarship student myself, I am delighted to be able to support the future generations of students. Cambridge gave me the foundation of education in chemistry, taught me how to live and contribute to society. I will always be indebted to this great institution and everything it stands for,” said Hamied, who is also a former alumnus of the university.

Dr James Keeler, head of the chemistry department, is grateful for Hamied’s visionary support. “The Hamied Scholars Programme will ensure that the University of Cambridge continues to educate outstanding scientists who will make discoveries to help tackle the society's most pressing problems,” said Keeler.

In 2019, Hamied was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society along with a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy. In 2018, Hamied endowed one of the world’s oldest academic Chairs in Chemistry, now known as the Yusuf Hamied 1702 Chair.