What award did Stephen Hawking receive from President Obama in 2009?

Stephen Hawking received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2009.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States’ highest civilian honor. It recognizes people who have made especially significant contributions to national interests, public life, culture, or other major areas of achievement.

Hawking was honored for transforming public understanding of cosmology, black holes, and the origins of the universe. Although he was British and lived primarily in the United Kingdom, his scientific influence and worldwide cultural impact made him an internationally fitting recipient.

A common mix-up is the National Medal of Science, another major American honor. Hawking did not receive that award from Obama; the award associated with his 2009 White House recognition was the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Other famous Hawking honors included the Copley Medal and the Wolf Prize in Physics.