Birthdays: Professor Stephen Hawking
January 8, 2009

Professor Stephen Hawking, probably Britain’s best-known and best-selling scientist, will give up this year the post of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, which he has held for 30 years. However, his new title of Emeritus Lucasian Professor of Mathematics will mean his work will continue as usual. According to a university statement: “The post is retiring but Professor Hawking isn’t.” Professor Hawking has combated motor neuron disease since it was officially diagnosed when he was 21. He appeared in several television series including Star Trek and The Simpsons, and his 1988 book A Brief History of Time stayed on the British bestseller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks. Professor Stephen Hawking is 67 today. RGT