Stephen Hawking 'honoured at gala'

Stephen Hawking was honoured on Wednesday with performances and speeches at a gala paying tribute to his life's work.

Personalities from both the scientific and artistic fields gathered at New York City's Lincoln Centre to salute the physicist, reports The AP. The event opened the World Science Festival.

"As scientists, we step on the shoulders of science, building on the work that has come before us - aiming to inspire a new generation of young scientists to continue once we are gone," Hawking said.

"I am proud to have played a small role in this great story."

The gala included performances by Broadway star Danny Burstein, Yo-Yo Ma and Hawking's wife Rebecca Luker.