Michael Green succeeds Stephen Hawking

By William Atkins
Thursday, 12 November 2009 19:07

Science - Biology

Physicist Michael Green has been elected the eighteen recipient of the Lucasian Professorship of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. He succeds Stephen Hawking to the prestigious mathematical position.


Dr. Green was confirmed on October 19, 2009, as the next Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. He succeeded Stephen Hawking on November 1, 2009.

Dr. Green (1946-) is one of the pioneering founders of string theory. The October 24, 2009 Guardian.co.uk article “Michael Green: Master of the universe” discusses some of the history of Green’s efforts in developing string theory.

The article asks the questions “[D]oes the pioneer of string theory think he holds the answers to life's mysteries?”

Green collaborated with John H. Schwartz in discovering what came to be known as the Green-Schwartz mechanism (or the Green Schwartz anomaly cancellation mechanism), which led to the “First Superstring Revolution.”

Further information on the GS mechanism is found at: Green-Schwarz mechanism.

Upon Green’s election to the position, Peter Haynes, head of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at University of Cambridge, stated, "Michael Green has played a leading role in theoretical physics research in the department since 1993. He is internationally known as a pioneer in string theory which over the last 20 years has become one of the most important and active areas of the field."

"In the department he continues to make important advances in this topic and at the same time to support and inspire young researchers. His appointment as Lucasian Professor continues the very distinguished tradition of that post." [Plus Magazine (10/22/09): “Michael Green replaces Stephen Hawking in Lucasian chair”]


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