A Cambridge physicist who revolutionized the concept of string theory has been tapped to succeed Steven Hawking in one of the world's most prestigious academic posts.

String theorist Michael Green will become Cambridge University's 18th Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. The chair has been held in its 340-some year history by past luminaries such as Isaac Newton, James Lighthill, and Charles Babbage.

Green revived string theory in 1984 along with John Schwarz of the California Institute of Technology, by showing how it could describe how disparate models for general relativity, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics fit into a single, all-encompassing framework.

"Michael Green has played a leading role in theoretical physics 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," said Peter Haynes, head of the department of applied mathematics and theoretical physics in a statement.

"In the Department he continues to make important advances in this topic and at the same time to support and inspire young researchers," he continued. "His appointment as Lucasian Professor continues the very distinguished tradition of that post."

Green will take up the Lucasian Professorship at the beginning of November. ®

Related stories

• Boffins in 'let's create black holes in the lab' jape (24 August 2009)
• Stephen Hawking both British and not dead (12 August 2009)
• LHC rushed back into service at 50% max power (7 August 2009)
• Branson unveils Virgin Galactic mothership (29 July 2008)
• Two year old's IQ on a par with Hawking (25 June 2007)
• Hawking amazed by weightlessness (27 April 2007)
• Hawking is leaving gravity on a jet plane (26 April 2007)
• Hawking given oldest science award (30 November 2006)
• Hawking: Leave Earth or die! (14 June 2006)