Brian Cox Awarded 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication

The medal, established a decade ago by the late Stephen Hawking, honors those who bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and the public through art, music, and film. For Cox, the recognition carries personal weight. He recalled standing alongside Hawking when the award was first announced, noting that the late physicist’s encouragement to "look up at the stars" remains a guiding principle for his own work. In addition to the medal, Cox received an 18K Moonshine Gold OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch, a tradition for recipients of the honor.

While the official presentation is scheduled to be broadcast during the Starmus VIII opening celebration on October 17 in Tenerife, Cox’s touring schedule necessitated the private London ceremony. The upcoming festival, titled "The Search for Truth," will feature performances by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, alongside the Starmus All Stars Band. Starmus co-founders May and Israelian emphasized that the award remains vital in an era where critical thinking and evidence-based discourse face increasing scrutiny. Previous recipients of the distinction include Sir David Attenborough and filmmaker Christopher Nolan.