“Remember your humanity.” Those words echo through the halls of the Joseph Rotblat Building. It’s a call to conscience, a principle that guided the building’s namesake.
The Joseph Rotblat Building stands as part of the Charterhouse Square campus. It forms the entrance of Charterhouse Square, alongside the Lodge House, Dean Rees House and the Old Anatomy Building. These are original buildings of the former St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College. The anatomy department was here.
Now, let’s delve into the story of the man behind the name. Joseph Rotblat was a Polish-born scientist. He emigrated to Britain in 1938. Rotblat played a role in the Manhattan Project in 1944. But he resigned when the threat of Nazi atomic weapons lessened. He was the sole wartime scientist to leave for moral reasons.
He dedicated his life to peace. He also advocated for the ethical use of science. Rotblat helped create Pugwash in 1957. He was a Professor of Physics at St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College from 1950 to 1976.
The Joseph Rotblat Building now provides traditional teaching rooms. It holds up to 150 people. Inside, you’ll find a lecture theatre. There are also classrooms for smaller gatherings. These spaces host conferences, training sessions, and meetings. The Rotblat Lecture Theatre features wooden furniture. It also boasts original herringbone flooring.
Imagine students gathering here. They are discussing scientific breakthroughs and ethical dilemmas. The spirit of Joseph Rotblat lives on in their debates. The building is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a place of learning and critical thought. It encourages future generations to consider the impact of their work.
The Joseph Rotblat Building at Charterhouse Square stands as a reminder. Science must always be guided by conscience and a commitment to humanity.