Stephen Hawking in hospital

Monday, 20 April 2009

A spokesman from Cambridge University which employs Professor Stephen Hawking has announced that the acclaimed scientist is "very ill" in Adenbrooke's hospital, where doctors are carrying out tests. The scientist has felt unwell for the last two weeks.

Professor Hawking is a shining example of someone extremely gifted who loves their work and will probably never retire, despite his life threatening and disabling condition of Motor Neurone disease. He is famed for relaying his brilliant ideas through a voice synthesiser and for his bestselling book, A Brief History of Time. The professor has worked at Cambridge University at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics for over 30 years.

In 1982 Prof Hawking became a CBE and in 1989 a Companion of Honour.

At the end of this year, 2009, he will step down from his role as Lucasian professor of Mathematics as it is normal policy for holders of this title to retire at 67. Nevertheless, he has confirmed that he will stay on as Emeritus Lucasian Professor of Mathematics.

The head of the University's department of Mathematics and Theoretical Physics Prof Peter Haynes said: "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague." He added: "We all hope he will be among us again soon."

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