Professor Brian Cox Receives 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication at Starmus Festival

Professor Brian Cox Honored with the 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal

On October 2, 2026, Professor Brian Cox was awarded the prestigious Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication at a special ceremony held at the Royal Astronomical Society in London. The award was presented by the co-founders of the STARMUS Festival, Sir Brian May and Garik Israelian. This honor recognizes Cox’s significant contributions to making science accessible and engaging for a global audience, fundamentally inspiring millions through his work as a physicist, presenter, and science communicator.

The Stephen Hawking Medal was established a decade ago by Professor Stephen Hawking himself, who served on the board of the STARMUS Festival, to honor individuals bridging the gap between science and society through art, music, and film. Cox expressed his deep appreciation for receiving this award, particularly poignant as he recalled being present with Hawking during the inaugural announcement of the medal a decade ago. "This award is a tremendous honor because it emphasizes the critical importance of understanding our universe, especially in today's fragmented world," Cox stated.

The festival's opening ceremony, set to take place on October 17 in Tenerife, promises an extraordinary evening combining science, music, and culture. Renowned artists like Andrea Bocelli, Sir Brian May, and Sarah Brightman will perform alongside the Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra, capping off the night with the Stephen Hawking Medal presentation, celebrating a decade of excellence in advocating for public interest in science.

Due to commitments on his touring schedule, Cox will not attend the ceremony in Tenerife. Instead, he received his medal during a private event in London, which will be streamed during the festival’s opening celebration. Garik Israelian remarked, "Today we are not only celebrating achievements but also the exceptional community that has formed around the belief that science belongs to everyone. It is a great pleasure to honor Brian Cox on this occasion."

Sir Brian May added, "The Stephen Hawking Medal began with our shared belief that science should inspire people far beyond the scientific community. As truth, evidence, and critical thinking are often questioned today, we proudly recognize those who bring science, wonder, and understanding to the world. This year's Starmus Festival honoring Brian Cox highlights how his unique and powerful lectures have profoundly changed the public’s perception of the world."

In addition to the medal, Cox was presented with a distinctive OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch crafted from 18-karat Moonshine™ gold. The award ceremony included discussions among the three about astronomy, humanity, music, artificial intelligence, and Stephen Hawking's enduring legacy—celebrating a decade since the inception of this commendation for outstanding contributions to science communication.

The 2026 presentation of the Stephen Hawking Medal will occur during the Starmus VIII festival themed "The Search for Truth," which includes a concert featuring Brian May, Andrea Bocelli, and Sarah Brightman, celebrating the union of science and music. The festival is scheduled for October 17-22 in Tenerife and La Palma, with ticket information available on www.starmus.com.

STARMUS, founded by astrophysicist Garik Israelian and musician, astrophysicist, and Queen's guitarist Sir Brian May, is a global initiative that gathers Nobel laureates, astronauts, scientists, thinkers, artists, and musicians to celebrate human curiosity, creativity, and exploration.

The Stephen Hawking Medal features a distinct bronze design depicting a portrait of Hawking, artfully created by Alexei Leonov, the first human to walk in space. The reverse side of the medal portrays Leonov during his monumental space walk, along with Brian May’s guitar "Red Special," symbolizing the collaboration of science, exploration, art, and music—the core philosophy of the Starmus Festival. Past recipients include notable figures such as Christopher Nolan, Sir David Attenborough, and the cast of "The Big Bang Theory."

OMEGA, a prestigious Swiss watchmaker and part of the Swatch Group Ltd., has a history of excellence, innovation, and precision that dates back to 1848. The OMEGA Speedmaster, trusted by astronauts and space agencies since the 1960s, remains the only watch worn on the moon. To support scientific pursuit and knowledge, OMEGA has entered into a long-term 10-year partnership with STARMUS, with each recipient of the Stephen Hawking Medal receiving a golden Speedmaster Moonwatch. The 2026 special edition features a smoked sapphire glass case back, engraved with a unique design that mirrors the medal itself, proclaiming the title "WINNER OF THE STEPHEN HAWKING MEDAL FOR SCIENCE COMMUNICATION."