Famous physicist to open science institute in SA

Hawking is known for his contributions to the fields of Cosmology and Quantum gravity

World renowned Theoretical Physicist, Stephen Hawking, will be opening the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (Aims) in Cape Town today.

Hawking is known for his contributions to the fields of Cosmology and Quantum gravity, specialising in the phenomenon of black holes. The wheel chair bound British scientist is disabled by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and speaks with the assistance of a computer.

The opening of Aims today follows as series of lectures presented by several international scientists, including Hawking in Muizenberg last night. Some of those who attended expressed skepticism about the genius of the scientist.

Audience member Garth King says: "I must say I didn't understand everything Hawking said, I get a feeling that everybody sees him as a demi god or something. I didn’t quite understand everything and when I did understand a little of what he said, I disagreed with him. I think his talk was brilliant, he was posing important questions about where science is going and how it's developing."

World's most pressing problems
Meanswhile, students of Aims were excited over meeting their hero and perhaps solve some of the world's most pressing problems.

"Actually for me I would like to do something in HIV research since it is a problem in Sub Saharan Africa, and so really that's what I'd like to contribute," says Aims student Doreen Mbabazi.

Aims is expected to deliver world class scientists, with Africa's next Einstein expected to come from the institute.