STARMUS VIII MARKS THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STEPHEN HAWKING MEDAL AND THE INAUGURAL JANE GOODALL EARTH MEDAL
Brian Cox and Christiana Figueres announced as the first 2026 laureates; Andrea Bocelli, Brian May, and Sarah Brightman to headline the October 17 celebration in Tenerife.
Tenerife, Canary Islands – 29 June 2026
Ten years ago today, Tenerife became the meeting place of some of the world’s most celebrated scientists, astronauts, Nobel laureates, musicians, and visionaries for a historic moment: the first Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication ceremony and a special edition of STARMUS, Beyond the Horizon: A Tribute to Stephen Hawking. The June 29, 2016 gathering marked the birth of
the Stephen Hawking Medal and brought together Stephen Hawking, Brian Cox, Brian May, Chris Hadfield, Brian Eno, Martin Rees, Rusty Schweickart, and many others in what has become one of the defining moments in the history of science communication.
On that same day, Professor Stephen Hawking delivered his unforgettable lecture, A Brief History of Mine, followed by inspiring presentations from Sir Brian May, Chris Hadfield, Brian Eno, Sir Martin Rees, Apollo astronaut Rusty Schweickart, and many others. The session was chaired by Professor Brian Cox
and remains one of the defining moments in the history of STARMUS. On the tenth anniversary of that landmark event, STARMUS proudly announces the first laureates of its 2026 awards programme and unveils the opening celebration of STARMUS VIII – The Search for Truth – where the tenth anniversary of the Stephen Hawking Medal and the inaugural Jane Goodall Earth Medal will be celebrated on 17 October 2026 in Tenerife.
Star-Studded Opening Ceremony
The Festival’s opening ceremony on 17 October will bring together science, music, and culture in a unique celebration featuring Andrea Bocelli, Sir Brian May, and Sarah Brightman, accompanied by the Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra and the STARMUS All Stars Band. The evening will also feature the presentation of the Stephen Hawking Medal and the Jane Goodall Earth Medal. Additional artists and
participants to be announced in the coming months.
The Focus of Starmus VIII — The Search for Truth.
This gathering of artists kicks o? multiple days of programming featuring Nobel Prize laureates, astronauts, world-renowned scientists and international thought leaders, making Starmus VIII, The Search for Truth, extraordinary. This focus is vital in today’s world. Humanity faces rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, rising misinformation, and critical environmental changes. Starmus VIII will
highlight the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based knowledge across sectors, bridging cosmic discovery with the urgent defence of our own planet. In an era where fiction often blurs with reality, refocusing on objective facts is a moral and intellectual obligation to secure a sustainable future.
The 2026 Laureates
STARMUS is honoured to announce that Professor Brian Cox will receive the 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication in recognition of his outstanding contribution to bringing science to global audiences and inspiring millions through his work as a physicist, broadcaster, and public communicator.
Brian Cox says –
“It’s a great honour to receive the 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal from STARMUS, and particularly poignant for me because I was there with Stephen when the Medal was first announced 10 years ago. Astronomy is the oldest science, and in today’s fractured world I believe that striving to understand the Universe is more important than ever. Stephen believed in the search for knowledge for its own sake.
‘Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet’ was Stephen’s closing line all those years ago. For me that is what STARMUS, and science, and life, is all about.”
STARMUS is also honoured to announce that Christiana Figueres will become the inaugural recipient of the Jane Goodall Earth Medal, recognising her extraordinary leadership in advancing global environmental awareness, climate action, and sustainable stewardship of our planet. The Earth Medal recognizes the legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, who died October 1, 2025. Jane was globally renowned for her discoveries as an ethologist and her lifelong conservation advocacy.
A Decade of Excellence
The Stephen Hawking Medal was created by Stephen Hawking and STARMUS to recognise individuals whose work helps bring science, exploration, and critical thinking to society. Over the past decade, the Medal has grown into a global symbol of excellence in science communication, honouring some of the most influential voices of our time.
Previous recipients include David Attenborough, Christopher Nolan, Elon Musk, Hans Zimmer, Jane Goodall, Jean-Michel Jarre, Brian Eno, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and many others whose work has inspired audiences across the worlds of science, culture, exploration, film, music and education. The October 17 celebration in Tenerife will not only honour this remarkable legacy but also bring together leading figures from science, exploration, music, film, and public communication for what promises to be one of the most significant STARMUS events ever held.
“Ten years ago, Stephen Hawking helped us launch a dream,” said Garik Israelian, co-founder of STARMUS. “Today, we celebrate not only what has been achieved, but also the extraordinary community that has grown around the idea that science belongs to everyone.”
Sir Brian May, co-founder of STARMUS, added: “The Stephen Hawking Medal was born from a shared belief that science should inspire people far beyond the scientific community. Ten years later, its message is more important than ever. At a time when truth, evidence, and critical thinking are increasingly challenged, we are proud to celebrate those who help bring science, wonder, and understanding to the world.”
Further announcements regarding speakers, artists, laureates, and special events will be made throughout the summer.
To book tickets to Starmus VIII, 17th October – 22 October, Tenerife www.starmus.com
About STARMUS
Founded by astrophysicist Garik Israelian and musician, astrophysicist, and Queen guitarist Sir Brian May, STARMUS is a global festival of science, exploration, music, and art that brings together Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, scientists, thinkers, and artists to celebrate human curiosity, creativity, and discovery.
For additional information: www.starmus.com