Linda Conlon, Chief Executive of the International Centre for Life (Life) in Newcastle upon Tyne, has been honoured with the ultimate accolade from the U.S based body representing science centres and museums worldwide.
Linda joins an elite group of Fellows of the Association of Science and Technology Centers, (ASTC) who have ‘performed exemplary service to the field and furthered the public understanding of science’.
The prestigious accolade, ASTC’s highest individual honour, was presented to Linda at the opening ceremony of its annual conference in Chicago. ASTC, which represents 600 organisations from more than 40 countries, has only presented the Fellow Award for Outstanding Contribution 32 times in its 50-year history and this is the first time it has been given to a European woman.
ASTC praised Linda as being one of the most respected figures in the international science centre community, adding that her visionary leadership had strengthened collaboration and enhanced dialogue among science centres worldwide.
Former ASTC Chair and President and CEO of Chicago’s Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chevy Humphrey, said: “Linda’s unparalleled dedication to advance science centres on a global scale makes her a perfect candidate for this prestigious recognition.
“Her efforts have enriched the lives of those directly involved with Life and have inspired countless other institutions by exemplifying the potential of science centres as catalysts for community development and educational innovation.”
Linda Conlon was a driving force behind the creation of Life, transforming a once derelict area of Newcastle into a science hub that has become an internationally recognised model for integrating research and biotech companies with public engagement in science.
Linda was the first European woman to be elected President of ASTC in 2015 and has also served on the European equivalent, as well as being a former Chair of the Association of Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC), the UK’s science centre network organisation.
Chair of the Board of Trustees at Life, Fiona Cruickshank OBE, added: “The Board is very proud that its Chief Executive has been honoured in this very special way. Linda leads a team that plays a crucial role in engaging people of all ages and from diverse communities in science, paving the way for the next generation of scientists, engineers and technologists – something that is desperately needed in North East England.
“Linda also possesses exceptional commercial acumen. She has created a self-sustaining business model that is admired globally and is an incredible role model and mentor to women in the industry internationally.”
Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle Central and West, and Chair of the House of Commons Science, Innovation, and Technology Committee, said: “I’m delighted to see Linda Conlon recognised with this prestigious award. Thanks to her passion, hard work, and leadership, thousands of people from across Newcastle and the North East have experienced the wonder of science in the very heart of our city.
“She is a world-class champion for science outreach, and a great role model for women in her field.”
Accepting her award Linda said: “I’m proud and humbled to receive such a prestigious award from my international colleagues. I see it as not only a personal honour for me but also a strong endorsement of the innovative work that the Life team does on a daily basis. It’s also great timing as Life celebrates its 25th anniversary next year!
“I believe strongly that the world desperately needs science centres. The pace of development in science and technology is accelerating, bringing with it opportunities and threats for us all. As trusted places, science centres play a vital role in helping people to separate the fact from the fiction and to make informed choices about their lives.”