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Gitanjali Rao honoured as the inaugural recipient of the Stephen Hawking Medal Junior
STARMUS cofounders, Garik Israelian and Brian May, introduce the Stephen Hawking Medal Junior Category to Inspire Young Innovators
STARMUS Celebrates Its US Debut at The Kennedy Center with Panel Discussions, Performances, the Junior Medal Announcement, the Presentation of STARMUS La Palma, and the US Première of the STARMUS VI Film
[Washington, D.C., April 2, 2025] — The STARMUS Festival has officially launched the Stephen Hawking Medal Junior Category during the recent STARMUS x Earth To Space event held at the Kennedy Center. This new category, honoring the legacy of the late Professor Stephen Hawking, aims to foster science communication and inspire the younger generation. The event marked the recognition of Gitanjali Rao as the first recipient of this significant award that highlights innovative scientific efforts among youth.
Introducing the Stephen Hawking Medal Junior Category
Established in 2015, the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication celebrates individuals who excel in engaging the public with science through diverse areas such as music, art, and cinema. The Junior Category seeks to acknowledge and motivate young thinkers who exhibit outstanding commitment and skill in science communication. Similar to its predecessor, the Junior Medal will reward achievements in fields such as music, film, and literature.
During its inaugural year, the STARMUS Advisory Board has identified a candidate who epitomizes the inspiring young leaders worthy of this honor. From 2026 onwards, educational institutions worldwide, including universities and high schools, will be invited to nominate students aged 14 to 20 for this award.
Winners will not only receive the Stephen Hawking Medal but will also be granted the exceptional chance to participate in a 4 to 6-week internship at a designated arts or science institution. Sponsored by STARMUS and its partners, this internship will involve creating a scientific communication project that will be published with support from STARMUS and endorsed by a previous medal recipient.
STARMUS plans to announce soon the prestigious institutions and centers that will take part in the Junior Medal initiative.
Gitanjali Rao: The First Recipient
Gitanjali Rao, a notable American inventor and STEM advocate, has been awarded the Stephen Hawking Medal Junior in recognition of her remarkable innovations and contributions to science from a young age. She exemplifies the spirit of inquiry and creativity that Professor Hawking promoted. In 2020, she was honored as TIME’s inaugural “Kid of the Year” for her exceptional achievements in science and technology. Gitanjali has invented “Epione,” a device designed for the early detection of prescription opioid addiction through genetic engineering, and “Kindly,” an AI-powered service aimed at combating cyberbullying, which is now recognized by UNICEF as a “Digital Public Good.”
“Receiving the Stephen Hawking Medal Junior is a tremendous honor, but it also comes with significant responsibility,” commented Rao. “I view myself as a role model for countless young individuals who are passionate about creating positive changes in their communities, particularly young girls of color.”
Garik Israelian, co-founder and Director of STARMUS, expressed his enthusiasm for the new Junior Category as a vital step toward engaging younger audiences. He noted Professor Hawking’s journey of inspiration through his own mentor, highlighting the importance of fostering new talent in science and communication. Israelian shared, “The creation of a dedicated category for emerging talents is a natural progression for the medal, aiming to encourage those who will shape the future.”
Brian May, guitarist of Queen and STARMUS co-founder, spoke on the importance of this initiative: “We believe this will positively impact the future by motivating young minds in arts and sciences, and fostering a closer relationship between them to help improve our world.”
Celebrating STARMUS’ US Debut at The Kennedy Center
This announcement took place at the STARMUS x Earth To Space event, which is part of the larger Earth To Space Festival at the acclaimed Kennedy Center. Held on April 1-2, 2025, the festival showcased an impressive array of speakers, including Nobel Prize winners and former NASA astronauts such as Nicole Stott and Frank Lee Culbertson Jr., along with renowned scientists and artists.
Attendees enjoyed an exhilarating ‘Explosive Universe’ concert featuring musicians from the STARMUS All Stars, highlighting the enchanting intersection of science and music that STARMUS embodies. This fusion of creativity and inquiry celebrated the wonders of the universe and provided a memorable experience for all involved.
Looking ahead, STARMUS has scheduled its next event, ‘STARMUS La Palma, The Island of Stars’, taking place on the island of La Palma from April 25 to 28, 2025. This edition will emphasize the importance of preserving night skies in collaboration with the Starlight Foundation and will feature engaging STARMUS Talks from over 40 distinguished speakers, including Jane Goodall and various Nobel Laureates. Additionally, a special ‘Sonic Universe’ concert will showcase the talents of the STARMUS All Stars alongside guest performers.
The event will also spotlight the US première of the STARMUS VI film, which encapsulates the most captivating moments from the 2022 STARMUS Festival in Armenia, illustrating the unique confluence of intellect and culture that STARMUS fosters.
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www.astronomy.com