With the theme “The Search for Truth,” the world’s leading festival of science and the arts will return to the Canary Islands this October. Held in Tenerife and La Palma, the Festival will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Stephen Hawking Medal along with the most ambitious edition of Starmus yet. Founded by astronomer Garik Israelian and astronomer and rock star Brian May, the festival brings together the leading minds in the sciences and great performers in the arts to celebrate our knowledge of the universe together with numerous attendees.
Starmus is described by those who have attended as “truly out of this world!” Speakers will include dozens of Nobel Prize laureates, legendary astronaut-explorers, pioneering scientists in a wide array of fields, technology leaders, and world-renowned artists sharing the stages. As our dear departed friend and fellow board member Stephen Hawking famously said, “In a world beset by so many terrible problems and so lacking in solutions, Starmus offers a ray of hope. Starmus confirms its position as a unique debating chamber for the future of the human race.”
In 2026, Starmus will afford the opportunity to showcase the 10th anniversary of the Starmus Stephen Hawking Medal, honoring a decade of creators, scientists, storytellers, musicians, filmmakers, and communicators who have carried forward Hawking’s mission, inspiring the world to look upward, question deeply, and celebrate the power of science. Moreover, we announce the creation of the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth Medal, a global award honoring the most impactful voices who work to protect our planet, defend biodiversity, and redefine humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
Will you join us for Starmus in October 2026? Those who have attended are often stunned, saying the experience has “changed their lives.”
The Starmus board consists of Garik Israelian, Brian May, Chris Hadfield, Jean-Michel Jarre, Steven Chu, Richard Dawkins, Emmanuelle Charpentier, Peter Gabriel, Jill Tarter, Tony Fadell, and David Eicher.
For more information and the latest announcements of speakers and artists, see Starmus.com.
David J. Eicher is Editor Emeritus of Astronomy Magazine, author of 26 books on science and history, and a member of the board of the Starmus Festival and of Lowell Observatory.
