Up to 50 exceptional students to receive fellowships in honour of Stephen Hawking

'We are thrilled that these fellowships will be named after him and see this as a great tribute to his life in science'

Up to 50 exceptional students will be financially supported though research fellowships created in honour of the late Professor Stephen Hawking.

‘Stephen Hawking fellowships’ will be awarded to up to ten candidates completing their doctoral studies in mathematics, physics and computer science each year for the next five years.

The renowned physicist died in March at the age of 76 after a long battle with motor neurone disease.

The prestigious award, from the government-funded UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) organisation, will offer students financial support to allow them to continue their work in any institution in the country for up to three years.

Sam Gyimah, science minister, said: “The fellowships will allow exceptional graduate students in maths, physics and computer science in institutions across the UK to take their work even further.

”I can think of no more fitting tribute to this great man than to support the next generation to push the boundaries of knowledge of the laws that govern our universe.” Mr Gyimah added.

The fellowships were created in partnership with the professor’s children, who said: “Our father knew the value that fellowships could provide to advancing research.

“As a scientist who made extraordinary discoveries throughout his career but particularly in his early years, he was very interested in the development of new talent and devoted much of his career to his teaching roles.

“We are thrilled that these fellowships will be named after him and see this as a great tribute to his life in science.”

The ashes of Prof Hawking will be interred between the graves of Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin at Westminster Abbey on Friday.

Professor Sir Mark Walport, chief executive of UKRI, said: “Prof Hawking’s life and work provided inspiration far beyond the world of scientific research.

“His discoveries opened a new window on our universe and through his books and personality he opened a unique window on science to millions.

“It is an honour to be launching fellowships in his memory and fitting that they will support a new generation of exceptional talent.”