Stephen Hawking to Retire as Cambridge Maths Professor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around Stephen Hawking's retirement from his position as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University, a role he has held for 30 years. Participants explore the implications of his retirement, the significance of the age limit for professors, and the ongoing nature of his work as an Emeritus professor.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express surprise at the retirement age of 67 and seek clarification on its significance.
  • Others explain that the age of 67 is a compromise following an age discrimination case against universities, noting that the normal retirement age in the UK is 65.
  • There are humorous remarks about the practicality of moving to Canada and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in snowy conditions.
  • Some participants affirm that Hawking's retirement is merely formal, as he will continue his work as an Emeritus professor.
  • Questions arise about the application process for the vacant position, with links provided to job listings and resources related to the Lucasian Professorship.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Hawking's retirement is a formality and that he will continue his work. However, there is some debate regarding the implications of the retirement age and the nature of the transition.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying perspectives on retirement policies in academia, particularly concerning age limits and their implications for faculty members. Some comments also highlight the social dynamics surrounding disability and mobility in academic settings.

fourier jr
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they I've never heard of Sir Joseph Larmor or Sir James Lighthill. I've heard of Airy, Stokes & Dirac though:

Applicants are being invited for the illustrious position, once held by Sir Isaac Newton, which will be vacated on October 1, 2009.

But Prof Hawking will continue his work as usual at Cambridge University as Emeritus Lucasian Professor at the university, an honorary title.

A spokeswoman explained it was University policy for professors to "pass the baton" in the year they reach the age of 67.

She said Prof Hawking's diary is already booked up to 2012.

"The post is retiring but Hawking isn't," the spokeswoman said. "Nothing will change. It is merely a formality."

Prof Hawking, 66, will have held the position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics for 30 years at the time of his retirement.

Isaac Barrow became the first holder of the post in 1664, and notable successors have included Charles Babbage, Sir Joseph Larmor and Sir James Lighthill.

Despite being almost completely paralysed by motor neurone disease, Prof Hawking became one of the world's leading experts on gravity, black holes, and the origins of the universe.

The applied mathematician and theoretical physicist also hit the headlines earlier this year when it was rumoured he could be set to leave Cambridge to join his colleague Prof Neil Turok at the Perimeter Institute in Ontario, Canada.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukn...e-as-Cambridges-Professor-of-Mathematics.html
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Come to CANADA!
 
What exactly is significant about the age of 67? Does someone want to enlighten me?
 
The normal UK retirement age is 65 but there was an age discrimination case brought against universities. The 67 is a compromise.

Come to CANADA!
You can't get snow tires for the wheelchair
 
mgb_phys said:
You can't get snow tires for the wheelchair

wow, and they say I'm callous.
 
Well good on him...i suppose at his age he probably felt it was time to move on...i can't imagine anyone trying to push him out of the job...
 
majesticman said:
Well good on him...i suppose at his age he probably felt it was time to move on...i can't imagine anyone trying to push him out of the job...

Define "push". Legally, he has to retire but, if you read the article, he is remaining as Lucasian chair Emeritus.
 
Of course he's remaining in the chair.
 
tribdog said:
Of course he's remaining in the chair.

Heh, good one.
 
  • #10
Where can I send in my Application? It didn't leave any details.
 
  • #12
  • #13
cristo said:
http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/vacancy/ :wink:

A job listing appeared on the PhysicsToday site last week
http://careers.physicstoday.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3015627&job_events=1480

FYI: Here are the past Lucasian Professors
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucasian_Professor_of_Mathematics
http://www.lucasianchair.org/papers/brief.html

JasonRox said:
Come to CANADA!
From July... http://www.math.columbia.edu/~woit/wordpress/?p=714
EDIT: (I see that this issue was already referenced in the quoted passage in the first post.)
 
Last edited:

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