Biography of Famous Scientist Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking: Theoretical Physicist and Cosmologist

Early Life and Education:
Stephen William Hawking was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England, to Frank and Isobel Hawking. His father was a research biologist, and his mother was a medical research secretary. The family moved to St. Albans in Hertfordshire when Hawking was eight.

1. Academic Aptitude: Despite being an average student in his early years, Hawking displayed exceptional aptitude in mathematics and physics. His interest in science was influenced by his father’s passion for natural sciences.
2. University Education: In 1959, Hawking began his undergraduate studies at the University of Oxford, where he pursued physics. His interest in theoretical physics led him to focus on general relativity and cosmology.
3. Postgraduate Studies at Cambridge: Hawking continued his education at the University of Cambridge, earning his Ph.D. in applied mathematics and theoretical physics in 1966. His thesis, titled “Properties of Expanding Universes,” explored the concept of singularities in the framework of general relativity.

Professional Career:

1. Early Career at Cambridge: After completing his Ph.D., Hawking became a research fellow at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. Despite being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1963, he continued his academic pursuits.
2. Breakthroughs in Cosmology: In collaboration with Roger Penrose, Hawking developed the singularity theorems and showed that the universe must have a singularity in the past—work that contributed significantly to our understanding of the Big Bang.
3. Hawking Radiation: In 1974, Hawking proposed a groundbreaking theory known as “Hawking radiation,” suggesting that black holes could emit thermal radiation and gradually lose mass. This work had profound implications for the understanding of black holes.
4. Popular Science and Books: Hawking became a prolific author, translating complex scientific concepts into accessible language. His best-known book, “A Brief History of Time” (1988), became a global bestseller, introducing a wide audience to the wonders of cosmology.
5. Academic Positions: Hawking held various academic positions, including the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, a position once held by Sir Isaac Newton. He remained in this role from 1979 to 2009.

Personal Challenges:

1. ALS Diagnosis: In 1963, at the age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Given a life expectancy of only a few years, he defied the odds and continued his scientific work.
2. Physical Decline: Over the years, Hawking’s physical condition deteriorated, eventually leaving him almost entirely paralyzed. He communicated using a speech-generating device controlled by his cheek movements.

Legacy and Recognition:

1. Scientific Awards: Stephen Hawking received numerous awards for his contributions to theoretical physics and cosmology, including the Albert Einstein Award and the Fundamental Physics Prize.
2. Pop Culture Icon: Hawking’s appearances in popular culture, including on “The Simpsons” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” contributed to his status as a cultural icon.
3. Advocacy and Outreach: Beyond his scientific work, Hawking advocated for issues such as disability rights and scientific outreach. His life and achievements inspired millions worldwide.

Death:
Stephen Hawking passed away on March 14, 2018, at the age of 76, in Cambridge, England. His work has left an indelible mark on the fields of theoretical physics and cosmology, and his ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to the general public has had a lasting impact on science education and outreach.