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THE BEETLESTONE AWARDFor leadership and legacy in communicating scienceAre you, or someone you know, a leader in the field of 'informal learning in science'? Since 2018, this Award has been to recognise a leader who has already made or is clearly creating a significant impact in communicating science. The Prize UK-wide recognition amongst your peers in the informal science learning (ISL) field.
The ingenious Beetlestone Award trophy, to keep.
A personal award of £500. Access to a bursary of up to £500 to facilitate dissemination (see below). Your conference fee paid to this year's BIG Event, a 3-day conference to network with and present to a diverse range of STEM engagement professionals from across the sector.
Lewis Hou's Beetlestone Award Trophy
How to Apply Applications can be accepted in person, or through nomination by a third party. In either case the nominee will be asked to complete an application. Applications are limited to leaders working in the UK who are still in post; the Award is not offered to retirees. Detailed guidance notes are available within the application form here. Applications close at midnight Friday 1st May 2026.
How to Nominate If you decide to nominate someone, complete this form. References are not required. Nominations close at midnight Friday 24th April 2026.
Announcement of winner The winner will be emailed in advance of the BIG Event, where they will be announced and receive their award. The Selection Panel will not enter into correspondence with applicants. Submitting an application constitutes an acceptance that the Panel’s decision is final.
Awardee Responsibilities, if a bursary is claimed To present – through a creative contribution to a conference, workshop or online resource – a description of the work for which the Award has been made, explaining its relevance and application. To share this information with the field, duly recognising the Beetlestone Award, in a relevant publication – whether in print or online. The above presentation to take place within 12 months of the announcement of the Award, and the publication to appear no later than a further 12 months thereafter.
Selection Panel The Selection Panel will include last year’s Awardee, Dr Sarah Bearchell, representatives from the Organising Committee and BIG, and Leonardo Alfonsi from PsiQuadro, Perugia, Italy. It will be chaired this year by Harry White.
Organising Committee Chair: Wendy Sadler MBE - Director, Science Made Simple Treasurer: Hannah Lister - Science Made Simple Debbie Syrop, Public Engagement Officer, School of Engineering, Cardiff University Harry White, Science Centre Consultant, HW Consult Sue Wardle, CEO Techniquest
 Previous winners of The Beetlestone Award Our previous Beetlestone Award winners, from L-R, Top to Bottom, Bridget Holligan, Fran Balkwill, Helen Featherstone, Ian Russell, Karen Davies, Lewis Hou, Stephen Pizzey.
Find out more about previous winners of the prestigious Beetlestone Award here.
Professor John Beetlestone (1932-2017) was one of the pioneers of ‘informal learning in science’ of the 20th century. He was the founding director of the UK’s first purpose-built science discovery centre, Techniquest in Cardiff. The centre was his idea, and he led it through three phases of development until his retirement in 1997. In partnership with BIG, a small group of John Beetlestone’s former colleagues set up this Award scheme in his name in 2018. This Award has been made possible through the generosity of the Beetlestone family and other private donors. |
