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Centre of Life vice president appointed to international science body

The chief executive of Newcastle’s Centre for Life has been appointed as the vice-president of a global body representing centres of scientific excellence.

Linda Conlon is the first person from the UK to hold the position at the Association of Science and Technology Centres (ASTC).

Based in Baltimore, the organisation looks after the interests of science centres across the world, and sets standards of best practice to ensure quality programmes are delivered to audiences.

Linda’s role will be to look at the global issues affecting science centres and their relevance at local levels.

She will also take an active role in promoting the body’s initiatives including its Youth Inspired Challenge programme, backed by President Obama, which targets young people to help them excel in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Speaking about her new role, Linda said: “It’s a personal accolade, as well as an accolade for the Centre for Life.

“This will enhance our reputation on an international stage, giving recognition that we are one of the best in what we do.

“I am very keen to help ASTC reinforce what it does, both here in the UK and on a global stage, on the valuable role that science centres play in their community.”

She went on to say that science centres not only provide places for learning, but also opportunities for the research community to meet with the public, and represent an important contributor to the cultural and economic vitality of their local areas.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .