Celebrating Young Changemakers: STARMUS VIII Awards Junior Medals

STARMUS VIII Honors Future Leaders in Science and Conservation

The STARMUS VIII festival, renowned for merging science, music, and exploration, has made headlines by announcing its Junior Medal winners who embody the spirit of curiosity and social responsibility.

This year, the coveted Junior Stephen Hawking Medal was awarded to Valeria Corrales, a trailblazer from Spain making waves in science communication. At just ten years old, she co-founded the educational platform ValPat, aimed at making STEM education more accessible to young audiences. ValPat has since blossomed into a significant Spanish-language STEM learning resource, amassing over 750 videos and a following of 240,000 on YouTube. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Corrales showcased her commitment to education by providing free online STEM classes for 100 consecutive days, helping countless children across Spain and Latin America continue their education during unprecedented times.

Valeria’s impressive accolades include being named one of Forbes Spain's 23 Changemakers in 2023 and a finalist for both the Princess of Girona Social Award in 2025 and the Global Student Prize from nearly 11,000 entries across 148 countries. Now pursuing a degree in Computational Media at the Georgia Institute of Technology, she continues to advocate for innovative educational methods incorporating science, technology, and creativity.

Meanwhile, the Junior Jane Goodall Earth Medal goes to Aneeshwar Kunchala, an environmental advocate from the United Kingdom. Aneeshwar’s journey began at the tender age of four after witnessing the tragic impact of plastic pollution on marine life. Since then, he has become a prominent figure in wildlife conservation, using various platforms including documentaries and public speaking to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our natural world. His efforts have earned him appearances on BBC and recognition through projects with various educational institutions.

Aneeshwar holds three Guinness World Records and has won several prestigious awards, including the Diana Award and the British Citizen Youth Award. His role as a young ambassador for the National Trust and a columnist for National Geographic Kids UK further amplifies his reach and influence on environmental education. His driving message, "Save the animals and make sure the world looks beautiful," encapsulates his dedication to fostering a generation that values biodiversity.

Valeria and Aneeshwar’s achievements reflect the ethos of STARMUS, which believes that knowledge should inspire action and that age should never inhibit one’s ability to make an impact. These young changemakers demonstrate that the future of science and conservation are in the hands of those willing to ask difficult questions and take bold action.

As STARMUS VIII unfolds, scheduled from 17 to 22 October 2026 in the picturesque Canary Islands, it will serve as a platform to celebrate these and other exceptional contributions to science and society. With the theme 'The Search for Truth,' the festival will assemble leading figures from science, technology, music, and the arts, all united in their quest for knowledge and truth in an increasingly complex world.

For more information on STARMUS VIII and to secure tickets, visit www.starmus.com.