#London #United Kingdom #Starmus #Stephen Hawking Medal #Jane Goodall Medal

Starmus Festival's Milestone Anniversary

In a landmark event hosted at the London Royal Society, the Starmus Festival marked the tenth anniversary of the prestigious Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication. This celebration was not just a reflection on a decade of honoring scientific pursuits, but also heralded the introduction of a new accolade, the Jane Goodall Earth Medal. The board members of Starmus, including notables like Sir Brian May and Peter Gabriel, gathered alongside Jane Goodall’s family and the Vice President of her institute, Mary Lewis, to share this significant moment.

The festival, renowned for its unique blend of music, science, and humanity, has grown into a global phenomenon since its inception. Speaking at the event, Garik Israelian, Starmus Director and Co-Founder, highlighted the legacy of Stephen Hawking who, ten years ago, emphasized the need to inspire future generations to reach for the stars. In a continuation of this vision, the newly established medal aims to channel that inspiration towards the protection of our planet.

This year, the Starmus VIII festival is set to take place in Tenerife and La Palma, promising to unite these two profound visions: the cosmic and the terrestrial. The Jane Goodall Earth Medal will honor individuals who advocate for environmental protection and strive to redefine humanity's connection with nature.

Sir Brian May, who along with Goodall, has been a significant figure in both the scientific and musical communities, emphasized the importance of merging the messages of both legends—Hawking’s cosmic curiosity and Goodall’s environmental conscientiousness. He remarked, “Jane Goodall and Stephen Hawking changed how we see the world—one by looking to the stars, the other by reminding us to protect life on Earth.” May’s sentiment echoes a burgeoning need for combined efforts in arts and sciences to address pressing global issues.

The impact of the Starmus Festival extends beyond mere ceremonies; it's a platform that seeks to inspire discourse on essential topics. In the spirit of advocacy and hope, the festival aims to provide a venue for scientists, artists, musicians, and communicators to converge and share pivotal ideas and innovations.

The inaugural Jane Goodall Earth Medal will coincide with the celebration of the tenth Stephen Hawking Medal, thereby acknowledging both the achievements in science communication and the urgent need for environmental advocacy. Jane Goodall, a pivotal figure in the world of conservation and animal welfare, has played a significant role within the Starmus community; she served as an advisory board member and has inspired both artists and scientists alike.

Merlin Van-Lawick, Goodall’s grandson, expressed gratitude for this initiative, affirming the importance of honoring his grandmother’s legacy in this manner, reinforcing their family's commitment to the cause. The festival, thus, not only commemorates past accomplishments but also sets forth into a future where the intersection of science, art, and nature becomes increasingly vital.

As we look ahead to Starmus VIII in 2026, we anticipate a celebration that not only honors who we have lost but also sheds light on sustainable futures, embodying both a cosmic and earthly vision. The excitement around the festival continues to grow, and with it, our hopes for meaningful change inspired by the legacies of both Stephen Hawking and Jane Goodall.

This coming celebration stands as a call to action—a reminder that while we gaze up at the stars, we must also care for the planet that hosts us. The Starmus Festival will once again serve not as just a festival, but as a global movement encouraging all of us to act, question, and protect our world for future generations.