Theoretical physics and an episode of “The Simpsons” were juxtaposed Monday when world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking was awarded the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal at Lisner Auditorium.

The program began with a talk by University of California-Santa Barbara physics professor James Hartle, who discussed some of Hawking’s greatest discoveries in the field of astrophysics and cosmology. Later, in front of a packed hall filled with mostly non-students, Hawking graciously accepted his award from the Smithsonian Institution.

“I want to share my enthusiasm with people. That is why I wrote my book ‘A Brief History of Time,'” said Hawking, referring to his 1988 bestseller that earned widespread praise for explaining complicated subjects such as black holes and the big bang in simple language.

The Lucasian professor of mathematics at England’s Cambridge University, a position once occupied by Isaac Newton, then made a reference to his appearance on “The Simpsons.” In a 1999 episode, Hawking visited the show’s fictional town of Springfield after it was taken over by local intellectuals.

“People really do want to understand where we came from – that is why I appeared on ‘The Simpsons,'” he said, drawing laughs and applause from the audience.

Hawking’s ability to communicate extraordinary ideas to ordinary people through his books and public appearances was one of the main topics featured during the program. A short video showed the clip of Hawking’s appearance on the popular cartoon show and highlighted other cameos on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

But perhaps even more attention has been drawn to Hawking as a result of his battle with motor neuron disease, which has left him mostly paralyzed and unable to speak. He came on stage in his wheelchair with assistance from his wife and was greeted with a long, standing ovation.

Hawking addressed the crowd through a computerized voice box, which delivered slow remarks with long pauses in between as the celebrated professor assembled sentences on a personal computer screen.

Hawking, whom NASA administrator Sean O’Keefe told the audience was a “true giant of the 20th and 21st centuries of science,” was humble about his achievements. Hawking is best known for discovering that black holes, which are gravity wells caused by collapsed super stars, actually allow some particles to escape and can even evaporate.

On his role in theoretical physics and cosmology over the past few decades, Hawking said, “I can claim to have made a modest contribution.”

Other speakers, however, made sure to outline the professor’s accomplishments.

“Stephen Hawking has been fundamental in our current understanding of the universe and its origins,” said Julian Braithwaite, a counselor for the Global Issues Group of the British Embassy, which co-sponsored the event.

Carol Bogash, director of Educational and Cultural Programs for the Smithsonian Associates said, “The world stands in awe of the genius of Professor Hawking.”

After the event concluded, Hawking remained to greet fans with the help of his wife, who signed books for the debilitated scientist. His spouse even gave him a Valentine’s Day kiss, which was met with clapping and chuckles from the crowd.

Freshman Justin Saltzman noted the contrast between Hawking’s physical condition and his intellectual achievements.

“It’s amazing to see a man with such physical limitations accomplish so much intellectually,” he said. “He’s really changed the way we look at the universe.”

Marek Rewers, a freshman, said he was grateful for being able to see the professor in person.

He said, “I came here because this really was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”