Some of the world's leading scientists, astronauts and performers will gather in the Canary Islands this October as Starmus 2026 returns with an impressive line-up of international guests.

The eighth edition of the renowned science, music and arts festival will take place from 17th to 22nd October, with its main conference programme hosted at the Pirámide de Arona on the golden mile in the south of Tenerife, and a special closing event on La Palma.

Among those taking part are legendary guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May, world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli, soprano Sarah Brightman, Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, physicists, environmentalists and leading figures from the scientific community.

Science Meets Music

The programme was unveiled yesterday (Thursday) at the Cuevas Blancas Science and Technology Park in Tenerife, with representatives from the Canary Islands Government, the Tenerife and La Palma Cabildos, and Starmus co-founders Garik Israelian and Brian May, among others.

Garik Israelian reflected on the impact of the late Stephen Hawking's visit to Tenerife a decade ago, saying it helped shape the future of the festival. He described this year's edition as a celebration of "the extraordinary community built around the idea that science belongs to everyone."

Opening Concert

The festival will begin on 17th October with an opening concert and awards ceremony featuring Andrea Bocelli, Brian May and Sarah Brightman, accompanied by the Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra and the Starmus All Stars band.

During the event, organisers will present the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication alongside the inaugural Jane Goodall Earth Medal.

Award Winners Announced

This year's Stephen Hawking Medal will be presented to British physicist and science broadcaster Brian Cox in recognition of his contribution to science communication.

Meanwhile, the first Jane Goodall Earth Medal will be awarded to Costa Rican economist and climate leader Christiana Figueres for her work promoting climate action and environmental awareness.

Among the first confirmed speakers is Geoffrey Hinton, the Nobel Prize-winning computer scientist widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern artificial intelligence.

Free Closing Event in La Palma

Starmus 2026 will conclude on 22nd October with a special programme in La Palma, including a panel discussion, a scientific lecture and a free public concert.

The festival continues to strengthen the Canary Islands' reputation as an international destination for science, culture and innovation, attracting leading thinkers and performers from around the world while offering residents and visitors a unique opportunity to experience both cutting-edge science and world-class entertainment.