The Association of Science and Technology Center (ASTC) presented Linda Conlon MBE DL with the ASTC Fellow Award for Outstanding Contribution during the opening session of the ASTC 2024 Annual Conference in Chicago. The award, bestowed by the ASTC Board of Directors, is the association’s highest honor and is presented to individuals who have performed exemplary service to the field and furthered the public understanding of science.
Linda is the Chief Executive of the International Centre for Life in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom. She is one of the original team who helped transform a once derelict area of Newcastle into the vibrant science village that has become an internationally recognized model for integrating research with public engagement in science. One of the most respected figures in the international science center community, Linda served as Chair the ASTC Board of Directors during a period of visionary leadership and international outreach.
Linda was recognized for unparalleled dedication to advancing science centers on a global scale. As Chief Executive of The International Centre for Life, she led development of a significant and innovative science hub —an internationally recognized model of integrating research and biotech companies with public engagement in science. As Chair of the ASTC Board of Directors, she provided visionary leadership, strengthening collaborations and enhancing dialogue among science centers worldwide and spearheading ASTC’s transformation into an organization that creates opportunities for our field.
In its 51-year history, the ASTC Fellow Award has only been presented 32 times, most recently in 2022. Previous recipients include ASTC leaders and Members of Congress.
In her nomination letter, Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, said that “Linda’s unparalleled dedicated to advance science centers on a global scale makes her a perfect candidate for this prestigious recognition…. Her efforts have enriched the lives of those directly involved with the International Centre for Life and inspired countless other institutions by exemplifying the potential of science centers as catalysts for community development and educational innovation.”
Linda was awarded an OBE, Order of the British Empire, by the late Queen Elizabeth II for her service to science education in the North of England. She was also appointed as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the county of Tyne and Wear, where she acts as the eyes and ears of the Monarchy in her area, including welcoming people from other countries and representing the monarch at official engagements.
Linda had this to say on her honor:
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.
Fiona Cruickshank OBE, who chairs the Board of Trustees at Life, 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.
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About ASTC
Founded in 1973, ASTC is a network of nearly 600 science and technology centers and museums, and allied organizations, engaging more than 110 million people annually across North America and in more than 40 countries. With its members and partners, ASTC works towards a vision of increased understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people. www.astc.org
About Linda Conlon, Chief Executive, International Centre for Life:
Linda Conlon is responsible for managing the International Centre for Life, a £90m science hub in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together a university medical research institute, two National Health Service clinics, biotechnology businesses, a popular science centre and education facilities on a single site, all with the aim of enriching lives through science. These facilities have impacted positively on the lives of thousands of people in North East England and have fostered inter-disciplinary collaboration among the 600-strong workforce.
Life is financially self-sustaining, thanks to an entrepreneurial business model, with a diverse range of income generators, including a substantial property portfolio. In 2016, it was awarded the Not-for-Profit Organisation of the Year Award at the Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Life has earned an international reputation for its innovative approach to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all visitors. Awards received in recognition of this work include the international Mariano Gago Award, widely regarded as the “Oscar” of the professional science engagement world. In March 2023, Life was awarded ‘gold’ in the Accessible and Inclusion category at the North East Tourism Awards.
Linda is a Trustee of the Laidlaw Schools Trust, a multi-academy trust that manages a number of schools in the northeast of England, many of which serve children in severely deprived areas. She also sits on the board of Newcastle University. Previously, she was a non-executive director of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust and an executive member of NE1, the Business Improvement District Company for Newcastle. In 2016 she was awarded an MBE by the Queen for services to science and science education and in 2020 was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear.