A chemist by training, Colin was for 12 years a science teacher, and for a further 12 years he was a university lecturer in science education. From 1997-2004 he was the Chief Executive of Techniquest, the UK’s first purpose-built science discovery centre. He was the founding Chair of ECSITE-UK, the national science and discovery centre network, and has served the science communication sector internationally in a number of capacities. In recent years Colin has undertaken the voluntary role of Vice-President of the BA, with particular responsibility for Young People’s Programmes. He was awarded an OBE for services to science in the 2004 New Year Honours list.