Just back from Bratislava (Slovakia) after a week of celebrating the seventh edition of Starmus, the researcher from the Institute of Astrophysics of Canarias (IAC) and co-founder of Starmus is more optimistic about the event taking place next year in La Palma, although he warns that funds need to arrive as soon as possible to be able to manage the complex logistics of the festival.
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What is your assessment of the seventh edition of Starmus held in Slovakia?
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The main difference of this Starmus compared to previous ones is the very low public participation. Given that it is a country we are not familiar with and where there was no public participation, it was difficult to reach out to public institutions such as universities. Nevertheless, we managed to deliver over 30 talks at different universities. Additionally, instead of bringing speakers to schools, which was more challenging, we decided to bring 5,000 children from all schools in Bratislava to the event venue and hold a festival just for them.
In Bratislava, Starmus took over all the streets of the city. Why did you decide to do this?
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It is important to inspire children because it can change their lives. In my case, it was not school that managed to create any interest in science, it was a science fiction movie that did it. From there came the idea of Starmus and combining art with science. There is significant public spending on education and often it is not enough. The arts support the emergence of that inspiration. In fact, if Starmus were to return to La Palma, I think we should do something similar, even for several days. We would like to bring talks to schools with astronauts or renowned figures like Jane Goodall and Sylvia Earle… A program can be designed beautifully and add music with the symphonies of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
What is the current situation regarding the next Starmus celebration in La Palma?
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It has been announced in the Official Gazette of the Canary Islands that the Government is planning the investment. However, we still have all the management ahead of us. If the funds arrive too late, we will not be able to prepare anything, we need at least a year’s leeway. Once the funds are transferred, they will be used immediately to book hotels and flights. Six years ago, we could book hotels six months in advance but today it is challenging because tourism moves at such a rapid pace that everything sells out quickly. Additionally, the speakers we have in mind for Starmus have such tight schedules that I am afraid to approach them if there are only 6 or 8 months left before the event, the chances of them declining are quite high.
“If the funds arrive too late, we won’t be able to prepare the festival”
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What would be the deadline by which it would be impossible to move forward with Starmus?
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It depends on two parameters: hotels and the schedules of the speakers. It will be pointless if the money is given but I cannot provide them with a date as soon as possible to start scheduling it.
Have you had any conversations about this with the Canarian Government?
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No, the only thing we know is what has been published in the BOC, from which we infer that something is happening. But apart from that, right now there is a black hole of information; you don’t know what comes out or when it does, or even if it comes out or not. These are circumstances that generate a lot of uncertainty.
Why is there so much determination to bring Starmus back to La Palma?
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I have always considered La Palma as the jewel of the Canaries. It is the island that has been visited by the most scientists and it is the island that captivates everyone. Even after enduring the volcano, knowing the accommodation limitations, I thought it was best to do it there. I have heard opinions from several people that even this is causing problems in receiving the funding because not many in the Government support holding the festival in La Palma. It would be much easier for them if it were held in Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
If things go well in La Palma, would you consider moving the festival to Tenerife?
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We have never discussed that, but it is something that can be considered. Many years ago, I had a program for the whole of the Canaries. The festival would be centred on one island and then activities in the others. The distances are so short that it is a possibility you don’t have in many places.
Starmus in the Canaries: Challenges, Funding, and Future Plans
Leaving Tenerife eight years ago and opening up to other parts of the world, do you think that this expansion also helped the event gain more international recognition?
Definitely. We have come a long way. We have improved and professionalised, gained more experience, and built a tremendous network of contacts. The same Stephen Hawking ceremony has gained cosmic respect and endorsement.
Are there other countries interested in hosting Starmus, what perspectives do they have?
Yes, we have several cities interested, including Bilbao in Spain. Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism invited us through social media. We have received interest from Romania, France, and more…
Could it surpass La Palma?
If we were to make a list of potential locations to host Starmus, La Palma always comes first. It is because I want La Palma more, it is my island, where I have spent countless nights observing from Roque de Los Muchachos. If it weren’t for La Palma and Tenerife, Starmus wouldn’t exist.
What would that event be like in La Palma?
It will be a completely free and public event. I can assure you we have a lot of interest. I even confess I will put in more energy.
During this year’s Hawking Medals tribute, there were many nods to the Canary Islands, is this a coincidence?
I always do it. Starmus’ history is linked to the Canary Islands.
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