The International Centre for Life is a thriving science hub and part of the cultural fabric of the North East.
Who we are
Enriching lives through science
The International Centre for Life (Life) is a dynamic science hub in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne where scientists, clinicians, technologists and educationalists work side-by-side on one site.
Opening in 2000, Life is a unique concept and business model, unlike anything else in the world.
The NHS and Newcastle University are key partners onsite; the pioneering research and patient treatments carried out here have earned international recognition and are helping people live better lives.
Watch our film
Life has transformed countless lives since its opening; from babies born as a result of ground-breaking fertility treatment to patients with debilitating diseases who have benefitted from research and clinical treatment on site.
At the heart of this circle is the award-winning Life Science Centre, which inspires everyone to explore and enjoy science, discover amazing things about the world and have loads of fun doing it.
Life: a place where science lives and grows.
Our story so far
For over 25 years, Life has been a place where people can go to discover the wonders of science – whether it’s a young child getting a glimpse of the Earth from space, or a researcher working on life-changing treatment.
Amazing things happen here
Life-changing medical treatments
Clinicians working at Life have made international headlines. Advances in genetics and regenerative medicine have enhanced the lives of people living with genetic and neuromuscular diseases.
Pioneering research
Researchers working on-site at Life have advanced the world’s understanding of how to treat cancers, address fertility, and manage genetic and neuromuscular diseases.
Fertility treatment
Thousands of babies have been born thanks to the pioneering work of the NHS Fertility Centre, whose techniques have been adopted worldwide.
Events and family fun
We welcome around 250,000 people a year to our science centre, bringing science to life through exhibitions, activities and events. Our site also plays host to concerts and live events – from gigs to screenings of major sporting events.
Onsite partners
Life’s on-site partners continue to do life-enhancing work, both in research and clinical care. The Life site is home to 30 research groups and more than 200 research, diagnostic laboratory and clinical staff, working for organisations such as Newcastle University, the NHS Northern Genetics Service, and the NHS Newcastle Fertility Centre.
A charity, built on an entrepreneurial model
All of the income needed to cover our operating costs is self-generated. We don’t rely on grants or local and national government funding.
Meet the team
Life is about collaboration. Hundreds of researchers, clinicians, educators, business people and science communicators work together to help people explore science – and discover its relevance to their own lives.
Fiona Cruickshank OBE
Chair of the Board
As a North East entrepreneur who founded a successful pharmaceutical manufacturing business, Fiona brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Life team.
Linda Conlon MBE DL
Chief Executive
Part of the original team who transformed a derelict Newcastle area into a thriving science hub, Linda is now one of the most respected figures of the science engagement world.
Our Trustees and Senior Team
Our Trustees and Senior Team ensure Life continues to fulfil its purpose, and makes science a key part of the region’s future.
Latest news
News
Competition to name spacecraft on a mission to clean up space
15 October 2026
People across the region are being offered the chance to make their mark on a pioneering UK space mission.
News
Thrilling tricks and treats for the family throughout October at Life
9 October 2026
Families can enjoy a frightfully fun programme at life throughout October, with live shows, exciting experiments and spooky science.
News
Life inspires children to reach for the stars as part of World Space Week
1 October 2026
Children from across the North East are being encouraged to aim for the stars as Newcastle’s Life Science Centre (Life) celebrates World Space Week.
News
A Galaxy of Inspiration Lands in Newcastle as Life Announces Major New Exhibition for 2027
30 September 2026
Rare Star Wars memorabilia, costumes and artefacts from a private collection are coming to Newcastle in 2027.
Jobs at Life
By joining Life, you’ll be part of a team that values equality and diversity, excellence, active learning, sustainability and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Our climate approach
As the North East’s biggest science centre, Life is committed to helping audiences make sense of complex, controversial and often scary subjects, like climate science.
Our year in review
Over the last year, Life has continued its diverse purpose, to entertain, educate and inspire many different audiences. Find out about everything that’s happened in our Annual Review.
Schools and community engagement
One of Life’s founding principles has been to bring science to different groups and communities. It’s something we’re passionate about. Read about how we’re making that happen.
Our partners and supporters
Our work at Life is possible thanks to our collaborations with partners and supporters across the North East and beyond.
Be part of our future
By donating or becoming a member, you can help us continue to inspire people in the North East to explore science and discover its relevance to their own lives.
