Life Team Member Wins Prestigious Award for Excellence in Science Communication

Newcastle’s Life Science Centre’s Head of Public Engagement, Elin Roberts, has received a prestigious sector award for outstanding leadership and long-term impact in communicating science to the public.

The annual Beetlestone Award, presented by the BIG STEM Communicators Network, celebrates individuals across the UK who have made outstanding contributions to science communication.

Elin was named this year’s joint winner, with judges recognising her work in creating memorable experiences that engage audiences and bring science to life.

Harry White, Chair of the awarding panel, said: “Elin’s award-winning work on memorable experiences, shows and exhibits embodies the Beetlestone philosophy.”

Since joining Life in 2008, Elin has developed programmes that have connected hundreds of thousands of people with science through exhibitions, live shows, events and partnerships.

Life Chief Executive Linda Conlon said: “This award is a fitting recognition of Elin’s contribution to science communication, which has helped countless people discover the relevance, excitement and value of science in everyday life.”

Elin added: “I am passionate about connecting audiences with STEM through strong, positive memory-making, and to be recognised in this way is wonderful.”

The award will be presented to Elin at the BIG event, a nationwide STEM conference in York in July.

Elin was also part of a small team of three who produced the in-house planetarium show Life: The Greatest Story, which recently won Best Education Film at Dome Fest West 2026 in Colorado.