Forget the shelf, here’s ‘Elf in the science centre’
There’s a naughty elf on the loose in Newcastle’s Life Science Centre – and he’s posting his shenanigans on the organisation’s social media accounts.
Welcome to Life
The International Centre for Life is a science village in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. It incorporates Life Science Centre, which is an award-winning visitor attraction and educational facility; research facilities housing young and established biotechnology companies and an internationally-renowned institute belonging to Newcastle University; and two National Health Service (NHS) clinics delivering cutting-edge fertility and regenerative medicine therapies.
Although the science centre is the public face of Life, the on-site research and clinical work is of equal importance in achieving the centre’s charitable mission. (See ‘Mission’ below.)
Download our Annual Review 2017-18
Please explore the tabs below to find out more about our unique science village. Want to stay abreast of what is happening across the site? You can read past issues and subscribe to the e-newsletter, Latest from Life.
Ignite and nurture an enthusiasm in everyone for science, technology, engineering and maths.
At Life Science Centre, visitors of all ages are encouraged to explore the changing programme of exhibitions, to create – whether that’s an experiment using counter-rotating spinning discs or getting crafty in the Making Space – and to have fun! Other highlights that are sure to spark an interest in STEM subjects are the planetarium, where visitors can be immersed in astronomy and the Science Theatre, where the Science Explainers never fail to wow people with their dramatic demonstrations.
Encourage future generations of STEM professionals.
Life Science Centre’s exhibitions have been designed with the national curriculum in mind and there are also more than 100 curriculum-linked STEM workshops available for visiting schools. The Meet the Scientist programme gives visitors a chance to quiz scientists on how they got into their chosen field and what it is that they do on a day-to-day basis. For children already bitten by the STEM bug, there’s a monthly Science Club (for ages 7-12 years) and regular Science Sessions (for ages 13-18 years).
Support world-class science in the North East.
Collaborations between internationally renowned researchers from Newcastle University and clinicians from the Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust who are based on-site has led to advances in regenerative medicine and improved diagnoses of rare conditions. At Life, a patient can undergo diagnosis at the fertility or genetics clinic, have further genetic investigation (for complex cases that are not easy to diagnose) and have treatment – all on the one site.
Contribute to the successful economic, social and cultural growth of the region.
The International Centre for Life transformed a once derelict part of Newcastle into a vibrant science village that contributes around £40 million to the local economy each year and offers full-time employment for hundreds of people. It is now an iconic landmark in Newcastle with strong links to the local community, including partnerships with local universities and cultural venues. Life Science Centre has brought many must-see exhibitions to the city, including the UK premiere of BODY WORLDS Vital, bringing tourists from across the country to the city.
At Life Science Centre, visitors of all ages are encouraged to explore the changing programme of exhibitions, to create – whether that’s an experiment using counter-rotating spinning discs or getting crafty in the Making Space – and to have fun! Other highlights that are sure to spark an interest in STEM subjects are the planetarium, where visitors can be immersed in astronomy and the Science Theatre, where the Science Explainers never fail to wow people with their dramatic demonstrations.
Encourage future generations of STEM professionals.
Life Science Centre’s exhibitions have been designed with the national curriculum in mind and there are also more than 100 curriculum-linked STEM workshops available for visiting schools. The Meet the Scientist programme gives visitors a chance to quiz scientists on how they got into their chosen field and what it is that they do on a day-to-day basis. For children already bitten by the STEM bug, there’s a monthly Science Club (for ages 7-12 years) and regular Science Sessions (for ages 13-18 years).
Support world-class science in the North East.
Collaborations between internationally renowned researchers from Newcastle University and clinicians from the Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust who are based on-site has led to advances in regenerative medicine and improved diagnoses of rare conditions. At Life, a patient can undergo diagnosis at the fertility or genetics clinic, have further genetic investigation (for complex cases that are not easy to diagnose) and have treatment – all on the one site.
Contribute to the successful economic, social and cultural growth of the region.
The International Centre for Life transformed a once derelict part of Newcastle into a vibrant science village that contributes around £40 million to the local economy each year and offers full-time employment for hundreds of people. It is now an iconic landmark in Newcastle with strong links to the local community, including partnerships with local universities and cultural venues. Life Science Centre has brought many must-see exhibitions to the city, including the UK premiere of BODY WORLDS Vital, bringing tourists from across the country to the city.
Did you know: Life is a charity. We do not receive financial support from local or central government.
Newcastle University chose the International Centre for Life for the location of its Institute of Genetic Medicine. Recognising the benefits of running clinics outside of a hospital environment, the NHS Newcastle Fertility Centre followed shortly after. A second NHS clinic is also situated on-site, the NHS Northern Genetics Service, which is part of the Institute of Genetic Medicine.
Research and clinical highlights:
Research and clinical highlights:
- Researchers at Newcastle University were at the forefront of developing groundbreaking research to prevent mothers from passing on mitochondrial diseases to their children. In early 2017, the NHS Newcastle Fertility Centre became the first clinic in the world to be granted a licence to treat patients using mitochondrial replacement therapy.
- The NHS Northern Genetics Service hosts The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, which is recognised as a leading site for international patient studies and clinical trials.
- A stem cell therapy developed at the Institute of Genetic Medicine has restored the eyesight of people with Limbal stem cell deficiency – a condition that has various causes, including burns to the eye, contact lens-related eye disease and hereditary diseases.
Did you know: Life is a charity. We do not receive financial support from local or central government.
The International Centre for Life is a charity, built on an entrepreneurial business model which ensures that all of the income needed to cover operating costs is self-generated.
Only 25% of operating revenue comes from mission-related activities, such as admission tickets to Life Science Centre. The remainder comes from a range of income generators, including the rental of property: laboratories; clinics; offices; an outdoor space that is let for popular events, such as concerts and product launches; and, adding some extra piquancy to the mix, commercial property that is now home to the area’s most popular nightclub and three bars.
Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust play an integral role in the mission of the International Centre for Life. As such, they are not charged a commercial property rental rate for the spaces that they occupy on-site.
Additional income is generated from a venue-hire business (Life Meetings and Events), a multi-storey car park, two cafés, a gift shop and an outdoor ice rink that operates during the winter months.
Partners and supporters
Life has forged many mutually beneficial relationships with individuals, organisations, businesses and networks. We are proud to be associated with our partners and supporters. If you would like to be part of this network, please get in touch.
Meet our partners and supporters
Only 25% of operating revenue comes from mission-related activities, such as admission tickets to Life Science Centre. The remainder comes from a range of income generators, including the rental of property: laboratories; clinics; offices; an outdoor space that is let for popular events, such as concerts and product launches; and, adding some extra piquancy to the mix, commercial property that is now home to the area’s most popular nightclub and three bars.
Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust play an integral role in the mission of the International Centre for Life. As such, they are not charged a commercial property rental rate for the spaces that they occupy on-site.
Additional income is generated from a venue-hire business (Life Meetings and Events), a multi-storey car park, two cafés, a gift shop and an outdoor ice rink that operates during the winter months.
Partners and supporters
Life has forged many mutually beneficial relationships with individuals, organisations, businesses and networks. We are proud to be associated with our partners and supporters. If you would like to be part of this network, please get in touch.
Meet our partners and supporters
Almost 600 people from 35 countries work here: researchers, doctors and nurses work alongside people in the fields of education, public engagement and business.
Click the button below to find out more about Life’s Senior Management team and its Board of Trustees.
Each member of the Board contributes their time and expertise to help ensure the wellbeing and future of the organisation and oversee that all of the activity on-site supports its charitable mission. Take a look at the 2017 Trustees' Report and Financial Statements for further information.
Meet the trustees and senior management team
Click the button below to find out more about Life’s Senior Management team and its Board of Trustees.
Each member of the Board contributes their time and expertise to help ensure the wellbeing and future of the organisation and oversee that all of the activity on-site supports its charitable mission. Take a look at the 2017 Trustees' Report and Financial Statements for further information.
Sustainability Policy
At Life, we take sustainability very seriously. We are committed to:
- using resources and facilities responsibly to ensure the long-term health of Life and our communities;
- carrying out business in ways that minimise negative effects on the environment;
- identifying ways to improve social, financial and environmental sustainability.
Equality and Diversity Statement
Life is an educational charity which is fully committed to providing the highest standards of service to our customers and everyone we do business with.
Read our Equality and Diversity Statement >
Privacy Policy
We are committed to respecting the privacy rights of customers, staff, suppliers and partners.
Our privacy policy explains how, and on what legal basis, we collect, store, and use personal information about you.
Read our Privacy Policy >