THE death of Stephen Hawking has not just deprived the world of a great scientist, it has also deprived science of a highly effective ambassador to the non-scientific world. Hawking's combination of intellect, bravery, charisma - and, yes, his disability - made him the holder of the unofficial title of world's most famous living scientist. He wielded it brilliantly, often speaking out in defence of science and its values, as well as bringing important issues to wider attention, from the dangers of artificial intelligence to the value of the UK's National Health Service (see page 28).
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