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
Early Life and Education
- Educated at St Albans School and University College, Oxford (BA, Physics).
- Pursued doctoral studies in Cosmology at the University of Cambridge.
- Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at age 21.
Career and Major Achievements
- Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge (1979-2009).
- Made significant contributions to the understanding of black holes and the origins of the universe.
- Developed theories on Hawking radiation, which posits that black holes emit radiation.
- Explored concepts of quantum gravity and the unification of general relativity with quantum mechanics.
Notable Works
- A Brief History of Time (1988) - A highly successful popular science book.
- Black Holes and Baby Universes and Other Essays (1993)
- The Universe in a Nutshell (2001)
- A Briefer History of Time (2005, co-authored with Leonard Mlodinow)
- The Grand Design (2010, co-authored with Leonard Mlodinow)
Awards and Honors
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Albert Einstein Award | 1978 |
| Wolf Prize in Physics | 1988 |
| Copley Medal | 2006 |
| Presidential Medal of Freedom | 2009 |
Legacy and Impact
Stephen Hawking's work revolutionized our understanding of cosmology and black holes. He inspired millions through his popular science writings and unwavering determination, even in the face of debilitating illness. Numerous readers delved into physics after reading a physicist stephen hawking biography book. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and the public alike.