Martin J. Rees
- Born:
- June 23, 1942, York, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Cosmologist, Astrophysicist, Astronomer
Early Life and Education
- Educated at Shrewsbury School and the University of Cambridge.
- Received a Ph.D. in theoretical astrophysics from the University of Cambridge in 1967.
Career and Major Achievements
- Professor of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge from 1973 to 1991.
- Plumian Professor of Astronomy and Experimental Philosophy at the University of Cambridge from 1991 to 2003.
- Astronomer Royal since 1995.
- Master of Trinity College, Cambridge from 2004 to 2012.
- Visiting Professor at Imperial College London.
- Significant contributions to the understanding of black holes, gamma-ray bursts, and the formation of galaxies.
Notable Works
- Authored numerous books on cosmology and astrophysics for both specialist and general audiences, including:
- Before the Beginning: Our Universe and Others
- Just Six Numbers: The Deep Forces That Shape the Universe
- Our Final Hour: A Scientist's Warning: How Terror, Error, and Environmental Disaster Threaten Humankind's Future in This Century-On Earth and Beyond
- Published extensively in scientific journals.
Legacy and Impact
Martin J. Rees has significantly advanced our understanding of the universe, particularly in the areas of black holes, galaxy formation, and the early universe. His popular science writing has made complex cosmological concepts accessible to a wider audience, contributing to public understanding of science.
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Awards and Honors
| Award/Honor | Year |
|---|---|
| Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society | 1992 |
| Balzan Prize | 1997 |
| Crafoord Prize | 2005 |
| Templeton Prize | 2011 |