Celebrating Scientific Communication: Professor Brian Cox Receives 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal

On October 2, 2026, a remarkable event took place at the Royal Astronomical Society in London. The co-founders of the Starmus Festival, Sir Brian May and Garik Israelian, bestowed upon Professor Brian Cox the prestigious 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication. This award recognizes Cox's exceptional efforts in sharing the wonders of science with global audiences, inspiring countless individuals through his work as a physicist, broadcaster, and public communicator.

The Stephen Hawking Medal, created a decade ago in honor of the late Professor Hawking, aims to celebrate individuals who effectively bridge the gap between science and society through various forms of art, music, and film. It highlights the critical role of effective communication in science, especially in a time when accurate information is increasingly vital.

In receiving the medal, Brian Cox expressed his profound gratitude, emphasizing the significance of the occasion. "It's a great honor to receive the 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal from STARMUS. It's particularly poignant for me because I was there with Stephen when the Medal was first announced ten 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," he stated.

Cox also fondly recalled Hawking's famous quote: "Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet," seeing it as a reminder of what both science and life ought to convey. This sentiment resonates strongly with the mission of the Starmus Festival, which blends science, music, and culture to inspire a greater understanding and appreciation for the universe.

The festival's upcoming opening celebration on October 17, 2026, in Tenerife promises to be an extraordinary event, featuring legendary performances by Andrea Bocelli, Sir Brian May, and Sarah Brightman, supported by the Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra. The event will also introduce the Stephen Hawking Medal, marking ten years of exceptional contributions to public engagement with science.

Due to his commitments, Brian Cox could not attend the ceremony in Tenerife, thus receiving the award during a private ceremony in London. Garik Israelian remarked, "Ten years ago, Stephen Hawking helped us launch a dream. 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. We are delighted to be awarding Brian Cox on this occasion."

Sir Brian May echoed this sentiment, affirming the importance of the Stephen Hawking Medal. He highlighted its origins rooted in the belief that science should inspire and reach beyond the scientific community. "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. I am delighted that this year’s Starmus is honoring Brian Cox, whose presentations have dramatically changed how the general public perceives the world."

Additionally, along with the medal, Professor Cox was gifted a unique OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch crafted in 18K Moonshine™ Gold. The thoughtful gesture encapsulates the ongoing conversation among the trio about astronomy, humanity, music, artificial intelligence, and the lasting legacy of Stephen Hawking.

The 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal Ceremony is set to take place during Starmus VIII: The Search for Truth, accompanied by grand concerts celebrating the unity of science and music. This year’s festival will run from October 17 to October 22 in Tenerife La Palma, and tickets are now available at www.starmus.com.

The Starmus Festival was founded by astrophysicist Garik Israelian and musician Sir Brian May, blending science, exploration, music, and art to unite Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, scientists, and artists in a celebration of human creativity and discovery. The Stephen Hawking Medal itself features a design with significant elements, including a portrait of Stephen Hawking by cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, symbolizing the fusion of science and art, a core tenet of the Starmus ethos.

Previous medal recipients include influential figures like Christopher Nolan, Sir David Attenborough, and the cast of The Big Bang Theory. As OMEGA continues its longstanding partnership with the Starmus Festival, each medal winner receives an exquisite golden Speedmaster Moonwatch, reflecting a shared commitment to the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of knowledge.