Martin Rees is a British cosmologist and astrophysicist who has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe and its origins. He was born on June 23, 1942, in York, England, and studied mathematics and physics at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Rees has worked as a professor of cosmology and astrophysics at the University of Cambridge since 1973, and served as its Master from 2004-2012. Throughout his career, he has also held several high-level positions in science and academia, including President of the Royal Society from 2005-2010.

One of Rees's most notable contributions to cosmology is his work on the cosmic microwave background, which is the radiation left over from the Big Bang. He has also conducted research on dark matter and dark energy, two mysterious substances that make up the majority of the universe.

In addition to his scientific work, Rees is also an advocate for science and technology policy. He has written several books on the subject, including "Our Cosmic Habitat" and "Just Six Numbers", and has been awarded numerous prizes and honors for his contributions to science, including a knighthood in 2020.