STARMUS VIII Names Two Young Changemakers as Junior Medal Recipients
The STARMUS VIII festival announced on October 11, 2026, that Valeria Corrales from Spain and Aneeshwar Kunchala from the UK will receive junior awards for their contributions to science and conservation.
STARMUS VIII, an international festival celebrating science, music, and research, announced on October 11, 2026, the recipients of two junior medals recognizing emerging talent. Valeria Corrales of Spain will be awarded the Junior Stephen Hawking Medal for her work in bringing science, programming, and technology to young people. Aneeshwar Kunchala of the United Kingdom will receive the Junior Jane Goodall Earth Medal for his advocacy in species conservation and environmental education.
Valeria Corrales, at 17, co-founded the educational platform ValPat at age ten, which has since grown into a significant STEM outreach initiative with a large online following. Her achievements have garnered national and international recognition, including a Forbes Spain "Changemakers" designation.
Aneeshwar Kunchala, age 11, has become an internationally recognized voice for species protection and environmental education. His passion for conservation began at age four. He has appeared in international media and delivered speeches at major events, holding three Guinness World Records and receiving numerous other accolades.
These junior medals aim to honor the continuation of Stephen Hawking's legacy of curiosity and Jane Goodall's commitment to understanding and protecting the natural world. STARMUS VIII highlights the shared belief that knowledge should inspire action, and age should not be a barrier to making a difference.