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Celebrating a Milestone: Starmus and the Launch of the Jane Goodall Earth Medal

This week at the prestigious Royal Society in London, members of the Starmus board, including renowned figures like Sir Brian May, Peter Gabriel, and Garik Israelian, gathered to celebrate a landmark occasion—the 10th anniversary of the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication. This special event was further enhanced by the announcement of the new Jane Goodall Earth Medal, marking a pivotal step forward in conservation and scientific collaboration.

The launch took place exactly ten years after the introduction of the Stephen Hawking Medal itself, which served to inspire millions to gaze at the stars and engage with the wonders of science. Sir Brian May, a co-founder of Starmus, emphasized the significance of merging the legacies of two iconic figures in science and environmentalism—Stephen Hawking and Jane Goodall. He expressed his hope for a future where both cosmic and terrestrial concerns are harmonized through collective efforts and innovative thinking.

Garik Israelian, the director and co-founder of Starmus, shared his sentiments on this dual celebration, stating, "Ten years ago, Stephen partnered with us to create a medal that urged people to look to the stars. Today, with the endorsement of Jane Goodall and her family, we launch a medal that calls upon us to protect our Earth. STARMUS VIII will unify these two visions under a focused festival seeking truth and inspiration."

Set to occur in 2026 in Tenerife and La Palma, the STARMUS VIII festival will serve as the backdrop for the inaugural presentation of the Jane Goodall Earth Medal. This new accolade aims to honor individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to sustainable practices, biodiversity preservation, and fostering a renewed connection between humanity and nature.

Goodall's family, including her grandchildren, attended the event and expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Starmus for honoring their grandmother in such a meaningful way. Merlin Van-Lawick, one of Goodall's grandsons, remarked, "We deeply appreciate STARMUS for choosing to honor our grandmother in this manner. We fully support this initiative, which Jane has blessed."

By launching the Jane Goodall Earth Medal, Starmus not only expands its mission to include environmental advocacy but also reinforces its long-standing commitment to showcasing the intersection of science, the arts, and humanitarian work. The Jane Goodall Earth Medal complements the ethos that Stephen Hawking championed: the unceasing pursuit of knowledge and the imperative to safeguard our planet's future.

The significance of this medal lies in its potential to inspire future generations to view scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship as complementary forces that can lead to a brighter, healthier world. Through platforms such as Starmus, the legacies of Hawking and Goodall will continue to inspire innovative thinkers and passionate advocates for change.

As we anticipate STARMUS VIII, where light will shine on the achievements of scientists, artists, and advocates, we encourage everyone to reflect on their responsibility towards both the cosmos and our home on Earth. With the new Jane Goodall Earth Medal, we are reminded that the call to protect our planet is not just an environmental challenge, but a collective human obligation.

For further updates on the festival and details regarding the medals, you can visit the official Starmus website at www.starmus.com.