The University of Cambridge has renamed the Department of Chemistry in honour of Dr Yusuf Hamied, following a “generous benefaction” from his foundation. The department will be known as the ‘Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry’ until 2050.
Currently the non-executive chairman of Cipla, a global pharmaceutical company, Dr Hamied’s major achievements include pioneering the supply of HIV/AIDS medicines to developing countries at a low cost, saving countless lives.
To help patients during the Covid-19 pandemic, Cipla has provided medicines to healthcare organisations at affordable prices.
For much of his life, Dr Hamied has been a leader in industry and philanthropy, the university said about one of its most illustrious alumni.
His leadership supports the world’s brightest academic talent in chemistry through the new Hamied Scholars Programme.
“Cambridge gave me the foundation of an education in chemistry, taught me how to live and showed me how to contribute to society,” said Dr Hamied.
“As a scholarship student myself, I am delighted to be able to support future generations of students. I will always be indebted to this great institution and everything it stands for.”
The vice-chancellor, Professor Stephen J Toope, said: “Yusuf Hamied has demonstrated an unequivocal commitment to changing and improving lives since his time at Cambridge.”
His list of honours include an honorary fellowship of Christ’s College in 2004; the Padma Bhushan, one of the highest Indian civilian awards in 2005; an honorary fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2012; and an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Cambridge in 2014.
In 2019, he was elected an honorary fellow of the Royal Society and a fellow of the Indian National Science Academy.
Commenting on the announcement, head of Department, Dr James Keeler, said: “We are extremely thankful to Dr Hamied for his visionary support for chemistry at Cambridge which will allow us to respond flexibly to future opportunities.”
