in 1959, renowned physicist sir samuel curran took up the position of principal of the royal college of science and technology, and following extensive discussions with sir keith murray (chairman of the university grants committee), the college was granted full university status in 1964 as the university of strathclyde. curran was appointed its first principal and vice-chancellor. this was the first new university in scotland for 381 years and the first technological university in britain, thus initiating the trend of formation of modern technical universities in britain. sir samuel remained at the university until retirement in 1980 - the replacement building for the andersonian library opened that year was named in his honour.