Volunteer Awards 2026
Behind every memorable interaction, inspiring activity and welcoming experience across the ASDC community are volunteers giving their time, talents and care to others.
These awards celebrate the individuals and groups whose contribution helps science and discovery centres thrive, from quiet acts of kindness to bold ideas that transform how people engage with science. Whether they support visitors face-to-face, champion inclusion behind the scenes, or bring fresh energy to their teams and communities, this is an opportunity to recognise the difference they make.
Together with The Marsh Trust, we are looking to recognise the individuals and groups whose energy, care and commitment make a real difference. The volunteers you nominate could be just beginning their volunteering journey or have been inspiring others for years.
Find out more about the 2024 winners
We encourage nominations that reflect the diversity of the communities your organisation serves. Volunteers do not need to have formal qualifications, long service, or high-profile roles to be recognised, what matters most is their impact.
We welcome nominations in two award categories, each with a prize of £500:
- Marsh Volunteer Award (adults - individual or group)
- Marsh Youth Voice Award (young people - individual or group)
Nominations are now open!
All information required for your nomination is in this form.
You can submit your nomination either by completing the form, or by sending us a short video or audio file (up to 4 mins in total) clearly stating the information required.
The deadline for nominations is 31st July 2026.
You must be an ASDC member to submit a nomination.
Hints and tips from a member of the judging panel
At our launch event, member of the judging panel Tamsin Russell shared some of her tips and tricks to consider when putting forward your nomination. These are:
- Use the word count/space available
- Reflect the prompts in your content
- Don’t be modest – shout from the rooftops!
- Do be specific - tangible information, including metrics, examples and evidence of impact
- Get someone else to read it – for a modesty check, proofing and additional examples you may have missed.
- Celebrate success always!
FAQs
Can I nominate young people my organisation has worked with as part of an ASDC project?
- Yes! If they have volunteered their time as part of an ASDC project (e.g. Next Gen Earth), you are very welcome to nominate them.
Can I nominate a trustee/board member?
- Yes - the panel will accept nominations for trustees whose work goes above and beyond their role attending board meetings and being part of a working group. However, they cannot be trustees who have been publicly appointed by your organisation.
How many nominations can I submit?
- As many as you like.
If you have any other questions, please get in touch with the ASDC team.
Volunteer Award 2024 (left to right): Shaaron Leverment, CEO of ASDC, Sinead O'Haire who presented the awards representing Marsh Charitable Trust, Hamish Newhouse, winner of Volunteer of the Year, Hannah Matterson who nominated Hamish representing Kielder Observatory, and Rachael Tapping, Head of Communications at ASDC.
Volunteer awards 2023 (left to right): Sandie Fisher, Scottish Seabird Centre who accepted the highly commended award on behalf of their volunteer Sandy Forrest, Monica Davey, friend of the Marsh Charitable Trust who presented the awards, Polly Hutchinson overall winner, Shaaron Leverment and Jo Hennessey who accepted the honorary award on behalf of the Wonderseekers Young Steering Group.
Our thanks to The Marsh Trust for supporting this award. The Marsh Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of people who are committed to social, cultural and environmental causes. Find out more about the Marsh Trust.
The winners of the award will be announced at the ASDC Conference 2026, held at Techniquest in Cardiff on 14th and 15th October.