Stephen Hawking

Born January 8, 1942, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England—died March 14, 2018

Stephen Hawking did not let his diagnosis of ALS deter his scientific research, curiosity, intellect, or determination to live life to the fullest. While the disease would eventually rob him of his ability to walk, write, and speak, he would still discover ways to carry out his research and life. 

Hawking’s work as a physicist led to groundbreaking discoveries about black holes, quantum physics, gravity, and modern physics. His achievements and attitude towards life challenged societal beliefs about people with disabilities. As Stephen Hawking once said, “I want to show that people need not be limited by physical handicaps as long as they are not disabled in spirit.”