The laws of physics have finally caught up with legendary scientist Steven Hawking. He’s about to reach the point in space-time at which he must retire from his prestigious university post.
The 66-year-old will step down next year from his position as Lucasian professor of mathematics at Britain’s Cambridge University, a 344-year-old job once held by Isaac Newton.
Hawking was forced to retire under a Cambridge policy that says professors must step down at the end of the school year in which they turn 67. His birthday is Jan. 8.
Hawking is as famed for his research as for his 40-year battle against Lou Gehrig’s disease, which leaves him paralyzed, wheelchair bound, and forced to talk though his signature voice box.
Hawking, who has held his post since 1979, became the most famous living physicist in the world after his 1988 book, “A Brief History of Time,” became a best-seller.