Life Science Centre is now open on weekends only between 10:00am - 5:00pm. Tickets for timed slots can be purchased online in advance of your visit. Some slots on the afternoon will be kept free for walk-ups - but booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
Our safety measures remain in place. This includes the Life team and visitors being asked to wear a face covering unless exempt.
When Life first opened, many people were nervous about genetics research and the concept of IVF babies. Life is proud to have been a pioneer in both fields, thanks to our onsite partners, the NHS and Newcastle University.
Almost 600 people from 35 countries work here: researchers and clinicians work alongside people in the fields of education, public engagement and business. What unites everyone is a passion for science.
Biomedicine West Wing is home to the NHS Newcastle Fertility Centre and Newcastle University researchers.
Biomedicine East Wing is home to Newcastle University and NHS Northern Genetics Service.
Newcastle University
In 2019, Newcastle University restructured its Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS). The University's research at Life, previously known as the Institute of Genetic Medicine, is now a part of various research institutes of FMS, with many of the onsite scientists working within the Biosciences Institute and the Translational and Clinical Research Institute.
At Life, more than 30 research groups, with over 200 research staff and postgraduate students, continue to do cutting-edge research.
The NHS Fertility Centre
The clinic has gained a reputation for pioneering new technniques that have been adopted internationally. Most couples in the North East can be seen as NHS patients and the fertility clinic receives referrals via GPs.
The NHS Northern Genetics Service
Working closely with onsite researchers at Newcastle University, the Northern Genetics Service provides comprehensive and fully integrated clinical and laboratory services that can help reduce the incidence of illnesses associated with genetic disease. The research done at Life is leading to a much better understanding of the role that genes play in common diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. The Northern Genetics Service provides diagnostic and 'genetic counselling' services across the region for people with problems or susceptibilities relating to genetic disorders. These disorders include muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease and cystic fibrosis.