How do you deal with the way you are described all the time by journalists?
I don't pay much attention to how journalists describe me. I know it is media hype. They need an Einstein like figure to appeal to. But for them to compare me to Einstein is ridiculous. They don't understand either Einstein's work, or mine.

What do you say to the comment "isn't it a shame that such a brilliant mind is trapped inside a useless body"?
I have never heard anyone say isn't it a shame that such a brilliant mind is trapped inside a useless body. If I did, I would treat it with the contempt it deserved.

Does being known as brilliant make a difference to the way you are treated as a disabled person?
I generally find that even people that haven't heard of me treat me well and are helpful. I'm not sensitive, if occasionally they patronise me, I just feel it's their mistake.

Does being disabled make a difference to the way you are treated as a brilliant person?
Being disabled, or physically challenged, makes no difference to how my scientific colleagues treat me apart from practical matters like waiting while I write what I want to say.

When did you first become interested in Physics and why?
I was always interested in science and how things worked. From about the age of 15 I concentrated on physics because I felt it was the most fundamental of the sciences.

Would you say being an astrophysicist is a good job for a disabled person?
It would be difficult for someone that is disabled to be an observational astronomer. But it would be easy for them to be an astrophysicist, because that is all in the mind. No physical ability is required.

Can the study of Physics take you beyond physical limitations?
Of course Physics can take one beyond ones limitations, like any other mental activity. The human race is so puny compared to the universe that being disabled is not of much cosmic significance.

Wouldn't you rather have been a bus driver or something?
I never wanted to be a bus driver but I did fancy being prime minister. However, I'm glad I left the job for Tony. I prefer physics to shaking hands and I feel my work may last rather better than his.

What would your advice be to another disabled person wanting to be a physicist?
I can recommend Theoretical Physics as a career for a disabled person. Of course, they would have to be interested in physics and fairly good at it.

Given that you are a scientific genius do people still address questions to your PA? If yes what do you say to these people?
I'm very glad if people address questions to my PA. I don't have time to answer them all.

What about the practicalities of life? Do you find that the business of organising your personal care cuts into your thinking time?
My personal care takes quite a lot of time. On the other hand, I'm excused from undergraduate teaching and most committee work. So I get a reasonable amount of time to think.

Have your working surroundings and colleagues had to adjust to incorporate you as a disabled person? If so how?
My university department is housed in an old printing works but it has been fitted with an entrance ramp and other adaptations for my use. The department will shortly move to a new building and I have been able to make sure the design is suitable. My colleagues have been very helpful. They treat me like anyone else, but help with my special needs. That is what I like.

Depeche Mode questions

What sort of music do you like and why? Does it help you relax? Please name your favorite composers/bands/singers/performers.
I mainly listen to classical music: Wagner, Brahms, Mahler etc., but I like pop as well. What I want is music with character.

What do you like about Depeche Mode? How many of their concerts and other concerts have you been to? Who were you with at the concert an Tuesday night?
I hadn't been to a Depeche Mode concert before but my son, Tim, is a fan of them and wanted to go. I really enjoyed it even though I was sitting just in front of the speakers, and my ears were ringing for the next 24 hours. They have such energy.

Science has a very serious image but you have helped to 'popularise' it. How important is it to you to have other interests in life and what are your favorite passtimes?
I really enjoy life and all that it involves. I won't go into my personal relationships, but my main non scientific interests are music and history. And Tim has got me to follow formula one; we have been to several grand prix together.