Linda Conlon, from the ICFL (Newcastle upon Tyne, UK) has been honoured in front of more than 1,600 peers from science centres from around the world.

The ‘Chair’s Award for Outstanding Achievement’ was presented to Linda in Toronto, Canada, at the annual conference for the Association of Science and Technology Centres (ASTC) – the global body representing nearly 700 science centres from almost 50 countries. In 2015, Linda became the first woman in Europe to become chair of the ASTC since the organisation was founded in 1972 – a position that she held for two years.

The award, presented by the current Chair of ASTC, Guy Labine, marks Linda’s service on the ASTC Board and her dedication to increasing engagement in science and technology to all people.

In her acceptance speech, Linda said: “We live in a world that is shaped increasingly by science and technology and where the pace of change is accelerating. We face some daunting challenges – not least amongst them is climate change. Science centres globally have a massive role to play in helping people of all ages and backgrounds to understand better what all of this means for them and their families and friends.

“It has never been more important to work together and harness our collective skills and expertise and, most importantly, the passion that we all have for science engagement, to face these challenges.”

Alastair Balls, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the International Centre for Life, said: “This is a tremendous honour and testament to the high regard in which Linda is held in the global science centre community.”