The
Evolving Story of Life
The International Centre for Life (Life) is a jewel in the North East’s crown. It has become an integral and much-loved part of the fabric of the city, attracting around half a million people annually to the services and activities offered on site. It is an exciting, imaginative and eclectic mix: from clinics to an award-winning science centre, and from cutting-edge medical research to a vibrant programme of events in its outdoor space, Times Square. It has impacted the lives of many and is a source of great regional pride. Thousands of people, from local families, schools and businesspeople to Prime Ministers, Nobel Prize-winning scientists and astronauts, are passionate ambassadors for this unique site.
Life brings together scientists, clinicians, technologists and educationalists – all of whom are united by a passion for science and for improving people’s lives through groundbreaking research in health and wellbeing. There are around 500 people from over 30 countries working on site. Newcastle University and the Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust have achieved some notable firsts during their time on site –you can read about them more fully in this review.
At the heart of Life’s purpose is a desire to enrich lives through science so that people can discover its relevance to their own lives and young people can find a route to a better future through STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths). Life aspires to be the most accessible and inclusive visitor attraction in the UK and has earned an international reputation for its innovative work in creating a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Our trademark is hands-on interaction. Everyone learns best by doing and retains more of what they have learnt if the activities engage them intellectually and emotionally. We work with many partners to achieve this, from the worlds of academia, business, community and culture.
We live in a world that is shaped increasingly by developments in science and technology and the pace of change is accelerating. There is a real need to engage more actively and effectively with people, to explore science in a non-threatening environment and to encourage debate on a whole host of critical subjects that are affecting the lives of us all.
The past 25 years have been exciting and eventful, and we have no doubt that the next chapter in the Life story will be equally fascinating.
As Mayor, I’m determined to create opportunity where it is lacking, and it’s places like the Life Science Centre with its inspiring space engagement programme and outreach activities that I’m delighted to support. They can make a crucial difference to children’s futures and help the next generation aim for the stars - and enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling future right here in our region.
Kim McGuinness, Mayor, North East Combined Authority
Fiona Cruickshank (Chair)
Linda Conlon (Chief Executive)
Enriching Lives through… Research and Clinical Treatment
Life is home to the NHS Northern Genetics Service, the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre and the NHS Newcastle Fertility Centre. 360 scientists, researchers and clinicians from Newcastle University and the NHS work on site. Bringing research and clinical treatment together is one of Life’s strengths.
Scientists work with clinicians and patients to develop diagnostic tools and treatments that can directly improve people’s lives.
This has led to a number of world firsts which have made global headlines. Examples are shared below.
Having a fully integrated academic and health service community means we draw on the strength of having that huge population in the North of England who are very supportive of giving their samples to research, and also the rigour of pure scientists who are trying to take it to the next level.
Professor Sir John Burn, Professor of Clinical Genetics, Newcastle University
Find out more about research and treatment at Life
Human embryonic stem cells are produced for the first time in the UK.
Scientists at Life become the first group in the world to achieve therapeutic cloning to create human stem cells.
In a world first, human sperm is created from embryonic stem cells.
The first ever egg-sharing scheme produces successful pregnancies.
Stem cell research leads to a new treatment that reverses blindness in a patient in Newcastle. By 2025, this treatment has restored the eyesight of more than 30 people.
Scientists at Life begin international trials investigating how aspirin could reduce the risk of bowel cancer in patients with a family history of the disease. (Also see 2020.)
Scientists at Life are granted permission to carry out pioneering research to create stem cells from unfertilised human eggs for medical applications.
Researchers announce a new treatment to help women with mitochondrial diseases have children without passing on the debilitating disease. (Also see 2023.)
The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre at Life opens. The centre leads in diagnosis, care and therapy for people living with rare muscular disorders.
Diagnostic labs at Life become part of the National Genomic Medicine Service, a world-first service aiming to use genomic science and technology to improve the population’s health.
The first family diagnosis using data from the 100,000 Genomes Project (a nationwide initiative to discover the role our genes play in disease) is made in Newcastle.
The number of babies born as a result of treatment at the NHS Fertility Centre at Life reaches 6000. Life becomes the first science centre in the world to be used as a Covid-19 Large Vaccination Centre.
The international aspirin study demonstrates that the protective effect against bowel cancer lasts at least 10 years after stopping the treatment.
(Also see 2012.)
first baby is born using donor mitochondria. (Also see 2010.)
The
Enriching Lives through… Research and Clinical Treatment
Fertility treatment often takes place in out-of-the-way places so being part of this vibrant community, in the heart of the city, is a hugely positive thing for our patients and our team. It’s a daily reminder of the wonders of science and the power of partnerships.
Life Story – the Perry family
Jessie-May and Robert Perry have three children - Flora, and twins Kit and Mabel (pictured right) - all conceived thanks to IVF treatment received at Life. The children relish the fact that Life is where they are from.
Being able to access world-leading treatment from the team at the fertility clinic, just ten minutes away from home, allowed Jessie-May and Robert to start a family and they now take every opportunity to speak about their experience and to help challenge the stigma surrounding infertility.
Read more of Jessie-May and Robert’s story
Life Story - Ella-Joy Hunton
Ella-Joy Hunton (pictured left as a baby) was an IVF baby conceived at Life and born in 2000.
As part of what she calls the club of ‘magic science babies’, Ella-Joy would proudly tell her school friends where she came from.
Now, having completed a master’s degree in midwifery, she helps families welcome new arrivals into the world, including the next generation of IVF babies.
Read more of Ella-Joy’s story
Life Story – Stephanie Tanner
Just two weeks before Stephanie Tanner’s son Freddie was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, the world’s first treatment was approved after clinical trials at Life.
Freddie received treatment at the John Walton Centre which stopped the progression of the disease, and he now attends a mainstream school.
When Stephanie’s third child Louis was also found to be a carrier of the disease, a single session of gene therapy stopped him from developing the condition altogether.
Now, Stephanie (pictured above with her family) is a nurse specialist at the John Walton Centre at Life, supporting families facing similar experiences.
Read more of Stephanie’s story
The lab space was excellent and the architecture was conducive for groundbreaking collaborative genomic research that really made a difference to the lives of people in the North East. It is great to see Life going from strength to strength.
Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair, Medical Research Council, and former Life Trustee
560,000
people each year access the services and facilities on site.
Dr Matthew Prior, Head of Department, Newcastle Fertility Centre
Enriching Lives through… Engagement with Science
At the heart of the site is the educational visitor attraction, Life Science Centre, the region’s only contemporary science centre.
When the centre first opened, the focus was on the then-emerging science of genetics. Today, Life embraces a broad range of STEM and the areas of space, climate and early years engagement are of particular importance.
Life has a unique approach to engaging audiences with science. It offers family-friendly hands-on exhibits, inspiring live shows and the region’s most advanced planetarium, as well as curriculum-linked schools’ workshops and special events for adults and pre-schoolers.
Life provides huge amounts of pleasure, education and inspiration, especially for young people.
Life aspires to be the most accessible and inclusive visitor attraction in the UK and has earned an international reputation for its innovative work in creating a welcoming environment for all visitors.
It’s a mindset that is embedded in the culture of Life and every team member lives and breathes this philosophy.
Life is a jewel in the region’s crown – a place that fosters creativity, increases scientific literacy and inspires future scientists.
Peter
At Lockheed Martin we know how vital it is that we inspire the next generation about the future career opportunities that space can offer them. The role played by Life in showcasing to these young people the very real possibilities in the sector which are within their grasp is key to us building a robust industry in the UK.
Life’s programme of exciting activities such as its planetarium shows, replica ISS and Mission Control exhibits, coupled with their workshops, aligns perfectly with our own STEM activities which hopefully give youngsters a real understanding of the space sector and opens their eyes to how they can be part of it.
Life works with urban and rural schools, all shapes and sizes of family, and underserved communities, reaching many young people who never would have considered a job in STEM as ‘for them’, and igniting the vital spark that raises aspirations and ambitions and showcases the breadth of jobs available.
As well as welcoming thousands of families every year, the science centre’s school programme offers exciting, relevant and interactive STEM experiences that cannot easily be replicated in the classroom. The setting of the science centre, within a working science village, also provides access to inspirational role models for the next generation of STEM professionals.
Find out more about Life’s schools’ programme and its approach to space and climate.
Visitors to the Space Zone at Life have a truly wonderful resource that will help to create a brighter future for everyone and enable us all to really enjoy being part of this vast and beautiful universe.
It is vital we support the development of new skills and nurture future talent to take up the job opportunities in the fast-growing space sector. Life plays an important role by delivering hands-on experiences and educational activities to local communities, igniting ambition in the young people who will be part of this success story.
250,000
people visit Life Science Centre each year.
Bill Bryson, author and former Chancellor, Durham University
Professor
Higgs, Nobel Prize-winning particle physicist
Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut
Ben Shaw, Head, Operations and Capture – Space, Lockheed Martin
Olivia Masters, Head, Programmes Delivery, Geospatial UK, Airbus
Life Family Album
Life Science Centre has helped people make amazing memories for a quarter of a century.
Maker Faire UK
Life brought this annual festival of making, crafting and tinkering to the UK, attracting makers and visitors from across the globe. 2009-2018.
Body Worlds Vital
This international exhibition by German anatomist Dr Gunther von Hagens was shown for the first time in the UK at Life and led to record visitor numbers. 2014.
North East Autism
Society Partnership
This partnership has led to improved visitor experience, increased team understanding of neurodiversity and awards including the inaugural Gold Plus Standard. Started 2018.
WEST Science Club
This brings together nine schools to increase children’s confidence and practical skills with science. 10,000 interactive hours have been delivered. Started 2015.
Space Zone
This hands-on exhibition explores the impact space technology has on our everyday lives and how the future of space exploration is being shaped in the North East. Opened 2020.
Gaia
Created by UK artist Luke Jerram, Gaia uses detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface to provide a unique view of our planet. Installed 2021.
Planetarium
Life’s 360° immersive dome is the biggest and most advanced in the region. The in-house team write and produce a range of shows, including What Santa Sees, which has been purchased by planetaria around the world. Opened 2005.
Wow Zone
As well as being fun and engaging, the hands-on exhibits explore forces, chemistry and physics. Opened 2023.
Making Studios
Inspired by the success of Maker Faire UK, this popular space encourages visitors of all ages to create, learn and have fun. Opened 2019.
Play Zone and the under-7s programme
This captivating area is designed for under-7s. Pre-School Days have been popular for over 15 years. The in-house team also develops shows like Little Bear for younger visitors. Opened 2011.
Experiment Zone
Here, visitors experience what it’s like to be a scientist, complete with real lab coats, goggles, tools and materials. Opened 2015.
Science Speakeasy
In this series for adults, important and controversial topics are debated in a quirky and irreverent way. Launched 2018.
36 major exhibitions have been hosted by Life, including Body Worlds and Game On.
Lightbox
This new interactive collection of exhibits explores light, sound and water phenomena. Highlights include a simulated water game created by BAFTA-winning studio Preloaded and an amazing 8m tall String Wave (pictured left), created by UK-based light artist Paul Friedlander. Opened May 2025.
HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh with Professor Sir John Burn (far right), 2000.
Naga Munchetty, BBC Lockdown Live: What Next?, broadcast from Life, 2021.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, officially opening Life Science Centre with Alastair Balls (left) and Linda Conlon (right), 2000.
Rory Cellan-Jones, BBC Technology Correspondent (left) with Life Community Liaison Manager David Jones, 2018.
Jonathan Dimbleby, live broadcast of Radio 4’s Any Questions?, with Linda Conlon, 2018.
Professor Peter Higgs, Nobel Prize-winning particle physicist, 2016.
NASA’s final shuttle crew of space Atlantis STS-132, 2010.
Chris Hadfield, Canadian astronaut, 2015.
Stella Rimington, former head of MI5, 2022.
Tim Peake, British astronaut, 2021.
Bill Bryson, author and former Chancellor, Durham University, 2004.
Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut (right), launching Space Zone, with Linda Conlon, 2020.
Gordon Brown, former PM, 2007.
Tony Blair, former PM, and Linda Conlon, 2002.
Steph McGovern, television presenter, 2019.
Carol Vorderman, presenter, at Life’s opening day, 2000.
Authors Steven Pinker (right) and Matt Ridley, 2002.
Michael Foale, British-American astronaut and astrophysicist, 2021.
Lord Robert Winston, scientist and presenter, opening Play Zone, 2011.
Richard Dawkins, author, (left) presenting 10th anniversary lecture, with author Matt Ridley, 2010.
James Watson, Nobel Prize-winning geneticist and Life Patron, 2009.
David Cameron, former PM, 2011.
This is YOUR Life!
Life is proud to be an integral part of the cultural and social fabric of the region. We are grateful to the many people who have helped make it happen, and continue to be part of the Life story.
To all our visitors, partners and supporters – thank you!
Find out how to support us
