Which famous scientist had their ashes placed in Westminster Abbey in 2018?

The ashes of Stephen Hawking, the renowned theoretical physicist, were interred in Westminster Abbey in 2018, a significant honor recognizing his contributions to science and humanity. Known for his groundbreaking work on black holes, cosmology, and the nature of the universe, Hawking became a figure of inspiration, particularly through his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to the public despite living with ALS, a debilitating motor neurone disease.

The choice to place his ashes in Westminster Abbey, which is the burial site of many of Britain's greatest scientists, reflects his esteem among peers and the public alike. This ceremony occurred near the graves of Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin, further underscoring Hawking's legacy as one of the great minds in scientific history.