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.
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:
- Adult Volunteer (group or individual)
- Youth Volunteer (group or individual)
To learn more about the 2026 awards, come along to our Members' Forum on Wednesday 3rd June, where we'll be officially launching them as part of National Volunteers' Week.
Nominations will be open after this event, and will be welcome via a short application form, or a brief video or audio file (up to 4 mins in total) clearly stating the information required.
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.