On Monday, the UK government announced that exceptional students in the field of mathematics and physics can compete for the research fellowships being offered in the name of the late genius physicist Stephen Hawking.
As of now, the government will give 10 scholarships for the next five years to the candidates who are completing their doctoral studies in the field of maths, physics and computer sciences, said Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
The recipients of the scholarship will receive financial aid, which will allow them to continue their research in any British Institution for a period of three years.
Science Minister Sam Gyimah said “the creation of the "Stephen Hawking Fellowships" follow discussions with his family. 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.”
All of the Hawking’s children, Robert, Lucy and Tim Hawking, said that they are very excited to hear the news of the scholarship and that their father knew that fellowships can help in advancing the 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," they said.
"We are thrilled that these fellowships will be named after him and see this as a great tribute to his life in science," they added.
Hawking died at his Cambridge home on March 14 at the age of 76.