#London #UK #Jane Goodall #Stephen Hawking #STARMUS Festival

Celebrating 10 Years of STARMUS and New Recognitions

This week, in a remarkable gathering at the Royal Society in London, key figures from the acclaimed STARMUS Festival—known for its unique blend of science and music—celebrated a significant milestone: the 10-year anniversary of the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication. Among the attendees were Garik Israelian, Sir Brian May, and Peter Gabriel, who joined forces to announce the introduction of the Jane Goodall Earth Medal, set to be awarded for the first time during STARMUS VIII, which will take place in 2026 across the beautiful landscapes of Tenerife and La Palma.

The introduction of this new medal signifies not only a decade of impactful contributions to science and innovational thinking but a profound recognition of our responsibility towards the Earth. Just ten years ago, the genius Stephen Hawking collaborated with STARMUS founders to create an award that has since inspired millions to gaze up into the cosmos. As we celebrate this achievement, we now turn our attention to our planet, with the Jane Goodall Earth Medal serving as a reminder of the critical environmental issues we face today.

Garik Israelian remarked on this occasion, stating, “Stephen Hawking, together with us, established an award that challenged people to look to the stars. Today, we are privileged to carry forward this vision, now invoking the spirit of Jane Goodall and her family to inspire global efforts in protecting our Earth.” The emphasis on the dual themes of cosmic exploration and planetary protection represents an ambitious mission for STARMUS VIII, uniting these essential goals in a festival dedicated to uncovering truths.

Sir Brian May further highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “Both Jane Goodall and Stephen Hawking have forever changed our perceptions of the world; one embracing the cosmos while the other reminds us to safeguard life on Earth. Unifying their legacies is critically relevant today.” He emphasized the intertwined nature of cosmic discovery and environmental stewardship, showcasing a need for continued commitment to both areas.

Jane Goodall's notable influence within the STARMUS community is well recognized—she is not only a member of the board but also a former recipient of the Hawking Medal and a prominent speaker who has inspired many, including those recovering from natural disasters like the recent volcanic eruption on La Palma. This introduction of the Jane Goodall Earth Medal exemplifies her legacy and ambition to address pressing environmental concerns.

Merlin Van-Lawick, Goodall's grandson, expressed gratitude for this honor, confirming the family’s support of the initiative, adding that “we fully endorse this initiative and Jane has given her blessing.” The family’s backing reaffirms the commitment to promoting environmental and humanitarian actions, extending STARMUS’s mission to honor and foster these key objectives.

As we anticipate STARMUS VIII in 2026, it is essential to acknowledge the decade of achievements represented by the Stephen Hawking Medal while embracing this new chapter that the Jane Goodall Earth Medal heralds. The world faces numerous challenges today, but initiatives like these offer hope and a path forward, blending scientific exploration with a call to protect our planet.

For more information on STARMUS and upcoming events, please visit www.starmus.com.