Who is the worlds leading physicist of our day?

Answer 1

Stephen Hawking. No one else comes close.

Answer 2

Boy, everyone keeps saying Stephen Hawking.

I respect him greatly, but theres no way he has made the most contribution to all of physics. He is simply the most well known physicist due to his vast media coverage.

I have to say it seems like people say that because they dont have clue who anyone else in the physics field is. Not to be harsh, i understand its not celebrity gossip.

As for my pick, I'd have to go with Ed Witten currently.

See, you dont even know who he is!

He has touched so many different aspect of science in general, but he's probably most well know for his work in theoretical physics on such things as string theory, quantum field theory, gauge theory, etc. His work has led to some of the leading advancements in theoretical physics recently, and he is considered one of the fathers of M-theory, which is kind of the next step beyond String Theory.

He was actually the first physicist to receive the Fields Medal, which is usually won by mathematicians.

Heres a quote about Witten from Sir Michael Atiyah, a highly regarded mathematician:

"Although he is definitely a physicist, his command of mathematics is rivaled by few mathematicians... Time and time again he has surprised the mathematical community by his brilliant application of physical insight leading to new and deep mathematical theorems... he has made a profound impact on contemporary mathematics. In his hands physics is once again providing a rich source of inspiration and insight in mathematics."

And math isnt even his main field! He's a theoretical physicist!

anyway, below is the list of most cited physicists for a two decade period. Look who's number one, yep, Ed Witten, with 23235 citations. Thats alot of people using his work as a base. He's the man! Wiki bio is attached too...

Answer 3

Stephen Hawking is the most famous. I think his idea of infinite numbers of simultaneous universes is nuts. He is not considered the leading physicist by other physicists.

Answer 4

It is difficult to say but Lee Smolin is widely thought of as the best theoretical physicist who thinks that String Theory is a complete and utter waste of time and money!!

http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/bios/smolin.html

hth

Answer 5

Steven Hawking. He is the leading and probably smartest physicist there is. He's an astrophysicist.

Answer 6

One of the most eminent scientists in the UK, Professor Sir Gareth Roberts has held several senior positions in both academe and industry. He has been President of Wolfson College, Oxford since 2001 and prior to that spent 10 years as Vice Chancellor of the University of Sheffield during which time he chaired the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals (now Universities UK).

He was appointed to the Sheffield post having previously held chairs in Physics at the then New University of Ulster and the University of Durham.

Professor Roberts has also held two industrial posts, as a senior research scientist with the Xerox Corporation in the US and as Director of Research and Chief Scientist of Thorn EMI with prime responsibility for managing the central research laboratories and preparing strategic plans for the operating divisions of the company.

He has an international reputation for research on semiconductors and molecular electronics and is the author of more than 200 publications and patents. His awards include election to Fellowship of The Royal Society in 1984 and the Presidency of the Institute of Physics in 1998. He was knighted in 1997 for his services to higher education.

He is a board member of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, chairing its Research Committee; President of The National Science Council and the author of ‘SET for Success’, a review into the supply of science and engineering skills in the UK.

Other organizations on which he holds senior positions include the UK Research Careers Initiative, Medical Solutions plc and PathLore Ltd and the Retained Organs Commission.

Sir Gareth was presented with the honorary degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) for services to higher education and research.

Answer 7

There are quite a few, here's a couple of them;
Stephen Hawking
Roger Penrose
Edward Witten
Brian Greene

Answer 8

Has to be the one and only Stephen Hawking.

Very clever man !

Answer 9

Our very own Stephen Hawking, I believe.