Stephen Hawking releases namesake award

Stephen Hawking releases namesake award for scientists worldwide

One of the greatest scientists ever, Stephen Hawking, has released a namesake award for the promotion of scientific discoveries and breakthroughs. The "Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication" award will be given to individuals or organisations that promote aspects of science among public through cinema, theater, music, literature and other art forms.

The first medals will be presented next year under three main categories: scientific, artistic and film communities. The names of the winners will be announced at the next Starmus Festival, a gathering of art and science enthusiasts that would take place in Canary Islands, Spain, from June 27 to July 2 in 2016.

Brian May, lead guitarist of British rock band, Queen and an astronomer, supported the cause that will benefit both the worlds of media and science.

List of seven (7) awards for achievements in science in India:

• Rajiv Gandhi National Quality Award: This award is presented by the Bureau of Indian Standards to those organisations and institutes who perform extraordinarily and ensure best quality of service

• Maharishi Badrayan Vyas Samman: This Presidential honour is meant for young scholars, who contribute to the amalgamation of ancient Indian technology to that of modern era, especially through information technology

• Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy Award: This award was instituted by the Medical Council of India in memory of legendary statesman, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. This award is given to those who achieve any rare feat in medical science

• India Science Award: This is the highest and the most prestigious recognition presented by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to science. India's 10th Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee instituted this award in 2003

• Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research presents this award annually, for outstanding research in biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, mathematics, medicine or physics

• Infosys Prize: The Infosys Science Foundation presents this annual award to scientists, researchers, engineers and social scientists for their stellar performance in each sector. A gold medal, a certificate and a prize money of Rs 55 lakh is given to the winner

• G.D. Birla Award for Scientific Research: The K. K. Birla Foundation released this award in the year 1991 in honour of the Indian philanthropist, Ghanashyam Das Birla. Indian scientists under the age of 55 are eligible to receive the award for outstanding performance in the field of scientific research. Prize money of Rs 1.5 lakh is also given with this award

• Kalinga Award for Scientific Research: Instituted by Biju Patnaik collaboration with UNESCO