Hawking will attend the opening of AIMS’s new Research Centre, the launch of the ‘Einstein from Africa’ Programme and the launch of the National Institute for Theoretical Physics. The events will also be attended by physics Nobel laureates David Gross and George Smoot, and NASA Administrator Michael Griffin.
Hawking, Smoot and Griffin are scheduled to give public lectures at the Muizenberg Pavilion on the evening of 11 May 2008.
Hawking is well known for his contributions to the sciences of cosmology and quantum gravity, especially in the context of black holes. Fritz Hahne, the Director of AIMS, describes Hawking as the most famous living scientist on the planet.
"Hawking is thought of as the greatest mind in physics since Albert
Einstein. With similar interests - discovering the deepest workings of
the universe - he communicates mysterious matters not just to other
physicists but also to the general public," says Hahne.
In 1963 at the age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s
disease, a usually fatal neurodegenerative disease. Doctors predicted
that he would live for little over two to three years.
Despite the fact that the disease has almost completely paralysed
Hawking, with the help of technology he is still able to compose
speeches, conduct research, browse the internet and write emails.
Sixty-six year old Hawking has told press that he is looking forward to
his first visit to South Africa. "The world of science needs Africa's
brilliant talents, and I look forward to meeting prospective young
Einsteins from Africa in the near future."
"If my visit helps to create opportunities for Africans to enter maths and science, I will be delighted," he added.
For more information on the public lectures visit the AIMS website . Tickets are available at Computicket or by calling +27 (0)83 915 8000.
SAGN/Sapa
