On Dr. Jane Goodall’s birthday, April 3, the STARMUS Festival proudly unveiled the design of the Jane Goodall Earth Medal, a new international award dedicated to recognizing individuals whose work helps protect life on Earth and inspire global responsibility for our planet’s future. The medal will be presented during STARMUS VIII — The Search for Truth, taking place October 17–22, 2026, in Tenerife and La Palma, Canary Islands.
Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned ethologist, conservationist, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, and UN Messenger of Peace, joined the STARMUS Advisory Board in 2022. She became a powerful voice within the STARMUS community, helping to strengthen the festival’s commitment to environmental responsibility and planetary stewardship.
The STARMUS Jane Goodall Earth Medal was first announced during a press conference in London, where STARMUS presented its vision for a new global award recognizing leadership in protecting nature, biodiversity, and the future of our planet. The initiative was discussed with Jane Goodall and developed with the support of her global conservation organization, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), and her family.
The design of the medal reflects the central philosophy behind the award: that humanity must act as a responsible guardian of the Earth. The front side depicts human hands gently holding the planet, symbolizing care, responsibility, and the protection of life on Earth. The sculptural style emphasizes wisdom, stewardship, and the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world.
The Jane Goodall Earth Medal complements the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication, created by Stephen Hawking and STARMUS in 2016, as one of the two major awards associated with the festival. Together, these medals represent the two pillars of the STARMUS mission: celebrating humanity’s pursuit of knowledge about the Universe while recognizing our responsibility to protect life on Earth.
By bringing together leading scientists, explorers, thinkers, and artists, STARMUS seeks to inspire global audiences with both scientific discovery and a deeper awareness of humanity’s place within the natural world, in a unique celebration of science, culture, and exploration.
The first recipient of the Jane Goodall Earth Medal will be announced ahead of STARMUS VIII, where the award ceremony will take place.
STARMUS VIII is made possible thanks to the support of the Cabildo de Tenerife, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Cabildo de La Palma, together with institutional and private partners.
For further information about STARMUS, visit www.starmus.com
For further information about the ongoing work of the Jane Goodall Institute, visit
www.janegoodall.global or www.rootsandshoots.global
