Stephen Hawking
Theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author
🌍 British · Born January 8, 1942 · Died March 14, 2018
About
Stephen Hawking was one of the most influential theoretical physicists and cosmologists of the modern era. Born in Oxford, England, Hawking showed an early passion for science and mathematics, eventually studying physics at University College, Oxford, and obtaining his PhD in applied mathematics and theoretical physics at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. In 1963, at the age of 21, he was diagnosed with an early-onset slow-progressing form of motor neurone disease, which gradually paralyzed him over decades. Despite this, his intellectual pursuits remained unhindered. Hawking made groundbreaking contributions to the study of the universe, particularly regarding the physics of black holes. In 1974, he proposed that black holes emit thermal radiation, a phenomenon now known as Hawking radiation. His academic career was highly distinguished; he served as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge from 1979 to 2009. Beyond his scientific research, Hawking was a brilliant science communicator. His 1988 book, A Brief History of Time, became an international bestseller, selling millions of copies and introducing complex cosmological concepts to the general public. Throughout his life, Hawking received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Copley Medal, and the Fundamental Physics Prize. He passed away on March 14, 2018, leaving behind a profound legacy that reshaped our understanding of the cosmos.
Intelligence Summary
ALS Diagnosis
Diagnosed with motor neurone disease and given a prognosis of only two years to live.
Discovery of Hawking Radiation
Proposed that black holes emit subatomic particles, now known as Hawking radiation, until they exhaust their energy and evaporate.
Lucasian Professor of Mathematics
Appointed as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, a post once held by Isaac Newton.
Published A Brief History of Time
Published his landmark popular science book, which became an international bestseller and spent more than four years on the Sunday Times bestseller list.
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Awarded the highest civilian award in the United States by President Barack Obama.
Stepped down as Lucasian Professor
Retired from his long-held professorship at Cambridge as required by university age limits, becoming a director of research.
No organizations found.
No connections found.
All data sourced from verified public references.