Hawking retiring from Cambridge

Famed cosmologist Stephen Hawking will retire from his prestigious post at Cambridge University in Britain next year but intends to continue his exploration of time and space.

Hawking, 66, is Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, a title once held by 17th and 18th century physicist Isaac Newton. The university said Friday that Hawking would step down in September but would continue as Emeritus Lucasian Professor of Mathematics.

University policy is that officeholders must retire at the end of the academic year in which they turn 67. Hawking will reach that milestone Jan. 8.

Hawking became a scientific celebrity through his theories on black holes and the nature of time.