Brian Cox awarded 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication
British physicist and broadcaster Brian Cox has been awarded the 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication, recognising his work bringing complex scientific ideas to audiences around the world.
The 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication was awarded to physicist Brian Cox at a private ceremony held at the Royal Astronomical Society in London on October 2nd. The prestigious award, established in 2016 by Starmus in honor of Stephen Hawking, recognizes individuals who excel in communicating science to the public across various disciplines and creative forms.
Cox, a well-known science communicator and Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Manchester, expressed his gratitude for the honor, noting that the medal's creation was inspired by the belief that science should inspire people beyond the scientific community, especially in today's world where truth, evidence, and critical thinking are under attack.
Co-founder of Starmus, Sir Brian May, emphasized the importance of the medal's message in a time when skepticism towards scientific principles is growing. This year's medal recipients also include filmmaker Ridley Scott, Artemis II crew members, Nobel Laureate Geoffrey Hinton, 17-year-old Valeria Corrales, and Jane Goodall's granddaughter, Christiana Figueres, who will receive the inaugural Jane Goodall Earth Medal.
The medal's design features a portrait of Stephen Hawking on one side, and an image of the astronaut's historic spacewalk and May's 'Red Special' guitar on the other. During the ceremony, Cox, May, and Garik Israelian discussed various topics, including astronomy, humanity, music, artificial intelligence, and Hawking's enduring legacy.
Cox was also presented with an OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch crafted in 18K Moonshine Gold. The Stephen Hawking Medal will be celebrated further during Starmus VIII Festival, which runs from October 17th to 22nd on the Canary Islands. The festival, themed 'The Search for Truth,' will bring together scientists, astronauts, Nobel laureates, artists, and musicians, along with a variety of activities such as lectures, discussions, music, art, stargazing, and a science camp.
The festival aims to inspire curiosity and demonstrate the importance of understanding the universe to a broader audience.
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