Stephen William Hawking
- Born:
- January 8, 1942, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
- Died:
- March 14, 2018, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Theoretical Physicist, Cosmologist, Author, Professor
Early Life and Education
- Attended St Albans School, Hertfordshire.
- Undergraduate degree in Physics from University College, Oxford (First-Class Honours).
- PhD in Cosmology from the University of Cambridge.
Career and Major Achievements
- Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge (1979-2009).
- Fellow of the Royal Society.
- Member of the US National Academy of Sciences.
- Made significant contributions to understanding black holes and the origins of the universe.
- Developed theories on Hawking radiation, predicting the emission of particles from black holes.
- Researched quantum gravity and the nature of spacetime.
- Advocated for space colonization as a means of preserving humanity.
Notable Works
- A Brief History of Time (1988): A popular science book about cosmology.
- Black Holes and Baby Universes and Other Essays (1993)
- The Universe in a Nutshell (2001)
- A Briefer History of Time (2005)
- The Grand Design (2010)
- Numerous scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals.
Awards and Honors
Award | Year |
---|---|
Albert Einstein Award | 1978 |
Wolf Prize in Physics | 1988 |
Prince of Asturias Award for Concord | 1989 |
Copley Medal | 2006 |
Presidential Medal of Freedom | 2009 |
Legacy and Impact
Stephen William Hawking is remembered as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th and 21st centuries. His work advanced our understanding of the universe, black holes, and the fundamental laws of physics. He inspired countless individuals with his intellectual curiosity and his determination in the face of adversity. Many have sought to understand his life and work by purchasing 'stephen hawking a biography paperback swaps' and other biographical works. His writings made complex scientific concepts accessible to a wide audience, fostering scientific literacy and curiosity worldwide.