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Exclusive: Christopher Nolan and Kip Thorne Speak to Starmus – A Visionary Journey Through Science and Cinema

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Christopher Nolan and Sir David Attenborough have recently received the prestigious Hawking Medal for Science Communication, an honor established in 2015 by the Starmus Festival and Stephen Hawking. The award has been given to figures ranging from Jane Goodall and Brian May to Buzz Aldrin and Elon Musk.

SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Spain, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan was awarded the prestigious Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication at the seventh edition of the Starmus Festival, sharing the honor with legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough, artist Laurie Anderson and oceanologist Sylvie Earle. This accolade, established in 2015 by Starmus Festival and the late Professor Stephen Hawking, celebrates individuals who bridge the gap between science and the public through exceptional contributions to communication and education.

 

The Hawking Medal has previously been awarded to an impressive array of figures from diverse fields, including Jane Goodall, Hans Zimmer, Brian Eno, the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, each recognized for inspiring global audiences to engage with scientific and technological advancements. This year, Nolan’s extraordinary ability to merge science with cinematic storytelling through films like Interstellar, Oppenheimer, Inception, and The Prestige, has earned him this distinguished recognition.

Celebrating a Milestone: 10 Years of Interstellar

It’s just been the.10th anniversary of Interstellar, a film that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide for its groundbreaking portrayal of space exploration, science, and humanity’s drive to overcome impossible odds. Starmus is proud to celebrate this milestone by honoring Christopher Nolan’s visionary work and its lasting influence on both science and cinema.

The Starmus Connection: Interstellar and the Hawking Medal

Starmus, a unique festival where science and art converge, has long celebrated Interstellar as a cinematic masterpiece that brought astrophysics and the mysteries of space into the cultural mainstream. Released in 2014, the film is hailed for its commitment to scientific accuracy and emotional depth, brought to life through collaboration with physicist Kip Thorne, whose research on black holes and wormholes shaped the film’s narrative.

The film’s powerful storytelling and groundbreaking score by Hans Zimmer also made history at Starmus. Zimmer received the Hawking Medal in 2016, making Interstellar the only film to see both its director and composer honored for their contributions to science communication. This dual recognition underscores the film’s significance as a bridge between the scientific community and popular culture.

In addition to its impact on audiences worldwide, Interstellar holds a special place in Starmus history. Hans Zimmer, who composed the film’s iconic score, performed Interstellar live at the festival on two remarkable occasions:

2016: As part of a tribute to Stephen Hawking, Zimmer’s performance included inspiring lectures by Nobel laureate physicist Kip Thorne, visual effects supervisor Paul Franklin, and physicist Oliver James from DNEG, sharing insights into the groundbreaking science and visuals of the film. Zimmer was joined by legendary guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May on stage to pay tribute to Stephen Hawking, blending music and science in an unforgettable performance.2019: During the festival’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, Zimmer once again performed the Interstellar score, accompanied by lectures from the same esteemed team, highlighting the enduring relevance of the film to space exploration and scientific discovery.

A Cinematic Legacy Rooted in Science and Art

Christopher Nolan openly cites Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, based on Arthur C. Clarke’s visionary book, as a profound influence on Interstellar. Kubrick’s groundbreaking work was informed by Clarke’s deep understanding of space exploration and humanity’s future, creating a film that remains a cornerstone of cinematic and scientific dialogue.

Adding authenticity to his film, Kubrick utilized the actual breathing sounds of Alexei Leonov, the first human to perform a spacewalk. This meticulous detail lent a sense of realism and connection to the space age, demonstrating Kubrick’s commitment to science-driven storytelling. Leonov’s contributions extended far beyond cinema; he also created the sketch of Stephen Hawking that inspired the design of the Hawking Medal, bridging the worlds of art, science, and human achievement. 

The Birth of Starmus

Arthur C. Clarke, a pivotal figure in both science and literature, was instrumental in the genesis of Starmus. His conversations with Starmus founder Dr. Garik Israelian in 2001 and 2002 inspired the project, then known as “The Music of the Stars,” which evolved into the Starmus Festival in collaboration with Dr. Brian May. Many years later Brian Eno composed a track using the same Starsounds library. Clarke’s support of this initiative underscored his lifelong passion for connecting science and the arts, laying the foundation for what has become one of the world’s most unique science festivals.

Extending Kubrick’s Vision

Nolan, through Interstellar, carried forward the legacy of Kubrick’s work by collaborating with Kip Thorne, who extended the concept of the monolith from 2001 into scientifically grounded depictions of wormholes and black holes. Similarly, Hans Zimmer, who composed the film’s iconic score, ensured his music stood alongside the monumental works of Johann Strauss, György Ligeti, and Aram Khachaturian, whose compositions shaped the auditory experience of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

A Tribute to Interstellar

In honor of Interstellar’s profound impact and its enduring legacy within Starmus, the festival is releasing a special tribute video (LINK). This exclusive video will feature unique and never-before-seen footage from the 2016 and 2019 performances, including Hans Zimmer’s live renditions of the film’s score, and highlights from lectures by Kip Thorne, Paul Franklin, and Oliver James. The tribute will be a celebration of the film’s ability to inspire audiences to explore the mysteries of the cosmos and the intersection of science and art.

Honoring Science Through Art

Dr. Garik Israelian, founder of Starmus and researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of Canary Islands (Spain), emphasized the festival’s mission to bring science closer to society:”Christopher Nolan has demonstrated that cinema can be more than entertainment; it can be a powerful tool for education and inspiration. With Interstellar, he brought the wonders of astrophysics to millions, fostering a deeper understanding of our universe.”

Continuing the Legacy

The 2024 awards ceremony celebrates the legacy of Stephen Hawking, who believed deeply in the power of storytelling to make science accessible. Nolan’s work resonates with this vision, inspiring new generations to look to the stars and dream of the impossible.

For more information about the Hawking Medal and the Starmus Festival, visit www.starmus.com.

Linked Videos:

Tribute Video: STARMUS x Interstellar hereInterview Video: Christopher Nolan & STARMUS Co-founder Dr. Garik Israelian (sharing his thoughts after receiving the prestigious Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication) here

About STARMUS 

Created by Garik Israelian PhD, astrophysicist at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC) and Sir Brian May PhD, astrophysicist and the lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Queen, Starmus is a festival of science, art and music that features presentations from astronauts, cosmonauts, Nobel Prize winners and prominent figures from various scientific disciplines and musical backgrounds. Starmus brings together Nobel laureates, eminent researchers, astronauts, thinkers and artists to share their knowledge and experiences, as we search for answers to the great questions of our time. 

The STARMUS Advisory Board members are: Jane Goodall, Brian May (co-founder), Garik Israelian (Director and co-founder), Peter Gabriel, Emmanuelle Charpentier, Richard Dawkins, Chris Hadfield, Jill Tarter, Steven Chu, and David Eicher.

Home of the Stephen Hawking Medal 

Stephen Hawking and Alexei Leonov, together with Brian May and Garik Israelian, worked to create the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication in 2015, which is awarded to individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to science communication. Previous Stephen Hawking Medal winners include Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, David Attenborough, Christopher Nolan, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Jean-Michel Jarre, Brian May, Laurie Anderson, and the Apollo 11 documentary. 

For more information visit Starmus.com   

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKpe-jBecDg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2649768/Starmus_Omega_Presentation.jpg
Logo –  https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2649772/STARMUS_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE STARMUS Festival

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EBSCO Clinical Decisions Appoints Paul Tuten as Executive Vice President

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~ Seasoned health IT executive and former ONC advisor to lead EBSCO Clinical Decisions as it advances its mission to bring trusted evidence to clinicians at the point of care.~

IPSWICH, Mass., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EBSCO Clinical Decisions today announced the appointment of Paul Tuten as its Executive Vice President. In his role, Tuten will oversee all aspects of EBSCO Clinical Decisions, including strategy, content, product development, and growth. His priorities include advancing the organization’s point-of-care strategy and expanding partnerships that bring expert-vetted DynaMed® content directly into the workflows, platforms, and AI-enabled tools clinicians use every day.

“Paul’s strong and even-handed leadership is an incredible asset as we work to deliver intelligent, evidence-based tools that elevate care delivery,” said Roy Ziegelstein, MD, MACP, Editor-in-Chief and Chief Medical Officer of DynaMed. “His deep technical expertise and track record in academic publishing will help us take the next step in building and delivering trustworthy, evidence-based solutions for clinicians that integrate natively into their daily workflows, reducing friction and improving care when and where it matters most.”

Tuten joined the company in 2025 as Executive Vice President and Chief Platform Officer at EBSCO Information Services, focused on accelerating scalable growth of EBSCO’s advanced knowledge services. Prior to joining, he was Chief Product and Technology Officer at Taylor & Francis, where he led a global team in driving digital transformation and enhancing data governance, analytics, and platform-centric customer experiences in service to academic researchers. Tuten previously built and repositioned health IT organizations focused on clinical data exchange, patient safety, quality measurement, and revenue cycle management, including at Quantros (now part of RLDatix and Healthcare Bluebook), RxAnte, and ABILITY Network (now part of Inovalon). He holds a PhD in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University.

“For too long, clinical decision support has worked like a paper map. Useful, but only if you pull over to review it and already know where you are. Clinicians need something closer to GPS, seamlessly integrated into the car and proactively guiding them in real time without having to take their eyes off the road,” said Tuten. “At EBSCO Clinical Decisions, our job is to get trusted clinical knowledge everywhere care is delivered. But like GPS, clinical decision support is only as good as the information behind it. With AI tools multiplying and published research outpacing peer review, it’s never mattered more that human experts decide what evidence informs it. I’m excited to help bring this vision to life and set a new standard for point-of-care delivery.”

Tuten has also advised the federal government on health information exchange and interoperability as a Senior Advisor to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In that role, he supported the HITECH Act’s Meaningful Use program and served as a government liaison to EHR vendors on certification criteria.

To learn more about EBSCO Clinical Decisions, click here. 

About EBSCO Clinical Decisions

EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) helps people find, access, and apply trusted information. Through its EBSCO Clinical Decisions suite of products, EBSCO delivers evidence-based clinical decision-support solutions designed to help healthcare professionals answer clinical questions, support informed decisions, and improve patient care.

EBSCO Clinical Decisions combines trusted clinical content with advanced technologies to support healthcare organizations and clinicians across clinical decision-making, patient care, learning, and research. The suite is designed to provide current, evidence-based information within the clinical workflow, helping healthcare professionals find the answers they need when they need them. For more information, visit www.clinicaldecisions.com. Visit our blog at Health Notes or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebsco-clinical-decisions-appoints-paul-tuten-as-executive-vice-president-302918867.html

SOURCE EBSCO Information Services

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College Board Launches AP Cybersecurity to Prepare Students to Protect the Digital World

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New high school course builds foundational skills for college, careers, and service as states connect cybersecurity education to national security needs

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cyber threats reach into everyday life, from scams that steal families’ savings to attacks on utilities and other essential services. Helping students understand and respond to those threats can open doors to further education, employment, and national defense service. College Board’s new AP Cybersecurity course, which was launched in high schools this fall, gives students a place to begin.

In 2025, U.S. employers posted more than half a million job listings requiring cybersecurity skills. Yet many students have little opportunity to learn about cybersecurity in high school or see where those skills could take them.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/college_board/9381153-en-college-board-launches-ap-cybersecurity

AP Cybersecurity introduces students to the work behind that demand: protecting the systems people depend on. Through practical scenarios, students assess security weaknesses, weigh risks, and investigate evidence of attacks. An assignment might ask them to evaluate threats to internet-connected farm equipment or recommend protections for computer networks aboard a naval submarine.

These assignments help students see how cybersecurity skills apply across industries and in national defense. Indiana offers an example of how those connections can take shape. The statewide Cybersecurity Partnership brings together high schools, colleges, employers, and the Indiana National Guard to help students explore routes into further education, employment, and military service.

The course and partnerships like Indiana’s address two connected needs: giving students an introduction to cybersecurity and helping them understand where continued learning could lead. For students, that connection gives classroom assignments a larger purpose. Investigating a security weakness today can be a first step toward learning how to protect a hospital, secure a business, or defend the country.

Interested in learning more? Talk to your school district or high school to see if they are offering AP Cybersecurity or visit collegeboard.org

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/college-board-launches-ap-cybersecurity-to-prepare-students-to-protect-the-digital-world-302918558.html

SOURCE College Board

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Alkami to Host Webinar with Thomaston Savings Bank on Using Predictive AI to Deliver Data-Driven Guidance and Accelerate Growth

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Leaders from Alkami and Thomaston Savings Bank will discuss how financial institutions can use predictive AI and behavioral signals to drive strategic growth and strengthen account holder relationships

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alkami Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKT) (“Alkami”), a digital sales and service platform provider for financial institutions in the U.S., today announced an upcoming webinar hosted with Thomaston Savings Bank, “Guess Less and Grow More with Predictive AI.” The webinar will take place Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET.

As account holders increasingly expect more personalized and proactive experiences, financial institutions have an opportunity to leverage data to deliver tailored guidance during every interaction. According to Alkami research, 44% of Americans who use digital banking wish their primary financial provider did a better job anticipating their financial needs and goals.1

The upcoming webinar will explore how financial institutions can respond to these expectations by using predictive artificial intelligence (AI) to drive growth across deposits and lending while strengthening primary relationships. Speakers will discuss how Alkami’s Data & Marketing Solution uses behavioral insights and predictive AI to help institutions identify growth opportunities and deliver more personalized outreach.

Featured speakers include:

Kent Blacksher, strategic account executive, AlkamiEthan O’Day, business intelligence analyst, Thomaston Savings Bank

“Data helps us understand how customers engage, but the real value comes from understanding what those behaviors may tell us about their needs,” said Ethan O’Day, business intelligence analyst, Thomaston Savings Bank. “Predictive AI can help us focus our outreach sooner and make it more relevant, while our team’s expertise keeps the work grounded in the relationships we have with our customers.”

During the session, attendees will learn how to:

Identify deposit and lending opportunities using behavioral signalsCreate more relevant outreach for customers and membersRecognize engagement and attrition signals earlierSimplify campaign execution and move from insight to actionBuild marketing strategies that support growth and retention

The presentation will explore real examples of how data-activated campaigns drive faster product adoption, along with insights into how predictive AI can help guide your team’s strategy.

“Financial institutions have more data than ever, but data creates value when teams can turn insight into action,” said Kent Blacksher, strategic account executive at Alkami. “Combining predictive AI with human expertise allows marketing teams to skip the guesswork while building stronger account holder relationships.”

To register for the webinar, visit here.

To learn more about Anticipatory Banking and the Alkami Digital Sales & Service Platform, visit here.

About Alkami
Alkami provides a digital sales and service platform for U.S. banks and credit unions. Our unified Platform integrates onboarding, digital banking, and data and marketing—each solution can stand alone, but together they deliver more—to help institutions onboard, engage, and grow relationships. As the future shifts toward Anticipatory Banking, we help data-informed bankers meet the moment with technology that drives action.

1 Alkami Proprietary Research. 2026 Digital Banking Americans Research Study. Online survey of 1,500 U.S. digital banking Americans conducted March 26–April 22, 2026.

Media Relations Contacts
Vested
alkami@fullyvested.com

Marla Pieton
marla.pieton@alkami.com

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SOURCE Alkami Technology, Inc.

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