Linda Conlon, Chief Executive of the International Centre for Life in Newcastle, has been awarded an honorary degree from Northumbria University in recognition of an outstanding 26-year contribution to furthering science engagement in the North East.
The Honorary Doctor of Science Degree celebrates Linda’s leadership in shaping Life into an award-winning, globally recognised organisation that inspires everyone to explore and enjoy science and provides an environment in which life enhancing research and medical treatments can flourish.
Linda received the accolade at a ceremony at Northumbria University, on Wednesday 15 July.
The citation speech praised Linda for showing “the power of science to change lives – and the determination to make it a reality,” adding that this “commitment to public engagement has earned Linda her status as one of the most respected figures in global science communication.”
The honorary degree also recognises Linda’s commitment to make science accessible to all, ensuring that it “must speak to everyone, not just men in white coats.”
“Linda is an exceptional leader of the Centre for Life. She is a champion for science outreach and an inspirational role model for women in her field.
Northumbria has worked closely with Linda for more than 15 years through our partnership with the Centre for Life. Together, we are committed to boosting science engagement and education across the North East, bridging the gap between academic research and the community, and encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to become the next generation of scientists, engineers and technologists.
We are delighted to recognise the impact of Linda’s work with this honorary degree, and we look forward to continuing our work with her in the years ahead.”
Linda was a driving force behind the creation of Life, transforming a once derelict area of Newcastle into a vibrant science hub in the heart of the city, bringing together scientists, clinicians, technologists and educationalists from around the world on one site. Over half a million people access the activities and services on site every year.
Linda said: “Life and Northumbria University are united by a shared mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and to bridge the gap between academic research and the wider community.
“We live in a world increasingly shaped by advances in science and technology, with change happening at pace and misinformation on the rise. That makes welcoming spaces where people can explore and engage with science more important than ever – especially for communities who may not see science as something for them.
“I’m honoured to receive this recognition which is testament to the incredible work of colleagues, partners and supporters, who have contributed to the success of Life.”
This degree is the latest accolade for Linda. In 2015, she became the first European woman to be elected President of the Association of Science and Technology Centres (ASTC), the global body representing over 650 science centres worldwide. More recently, she became the first European woman to receive ASTC’s highest honour, the Fellow Award for Outstanding Contribution, for her role in using science centres to tackle inequality, health and opportunity.
Linda has also served on the European equivalent body, Ecsite, as well as being a former Chair and Trustee of the Association of Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC), the UK’s science centre network organisation.
In 2016, Linda was awarded an MBE for services to science and science education.