Brian Cox receives 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication

British physicist and broadcaster Brian Cox has been awarded the 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication. Euronews and That Eric Alper reported that the honor recognizes his work bringing complex scientific ideas to audiences worldwide. Starmus co-founders Sir Brian May and astrophysicist Garik Israelian presented the award to Cox during a private ceremony at the Royal Astronomical Society in London on October 2. [1][2]

The Stephen Hawking Medal is an honor bestowed by the Starmus Festival to individuals and teams in science and the arts. Established a decade ago by Starmus alongside Stephen Hawking, the medal recognizes outstanding science communicators across various disciplines and creative forms who help promote public awareness of science. [1][3]

Cox is a professor of particle physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester. He also serves as the Royal Society professor for public engagement in science. The public knows him best as the presenter of science programs such as the BBC Radio 4 show The Infinite Monkey Cage and the Wonders of... television series. [4]

Science communication connects science and society by informing non-experts about scientific findings and raising public awareness. Platforms like Starmus bring together global minds in science, art, and human inspiration to foster these connections. [1][5]