Stephen William Hawking (1942-2018) was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author, widely regarded as one of the greatest minds in science. He is best known for his contributions to our understanding of black holes and the origins of the universe, combining general relativity and quantum mechanics. Hawking's work led to the theory of Hawking radiation, which posits that black holes emit radiation and can eventually evaporate.
From 1979 to 2009, Hawking held the prestigious position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, a chair once held by Isaac Newton. Despite being diagnosed with a slow-progressing form of motor neurone disease (ALS) at the age of 21, which gradually paralyzed him, Hawking continued his research and teaching using an adaptive communication system. He authored several popular science books, including "A Brief History of Time," which became an international bestseller, making complex scientific ideas accessible to a broad audience. Until his death, he remained active in both scientific research and media appearances.