Partners on Site

The International Centre for Life opened in 2000, born out of an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to creating a self-sustaining science village.

Almost 600 people from 35 countries work here: researchers, doctors and nurses work alongside people in the fields of education, public engagement and business. What unites everyone is a passion for science. On site partners include Newcastle University, the NHS Newcastle Fertility Centre and the NHS Northern Genetics Service.

Biomedicine West Wing is a purpose built centre of 60,000 sq ft. providing accommodation for new and established biotechnology companies. The Incubator Suite is designed to allow start up and spin out companies to become established and realise potential commercial success. A shared laboratory facility is available for use of the incubator tenants. Advice and support is provided to assist new companies to grow. NHS Newcastle Fertility Centre and Newcastle University are located here.

Biomedicine East Wing is home to Newcastle University and NHS Northern Genetics Service.

The NHS Fertility Centre

Established in 1991, this was the first centre in the North East to provide IVF treatment and support for patients that have fertility related problems. It provides state-of-the-art treatments delivered by highly skilled clinical and embryology staff.

The clinic has gained the reputation for pioneering new technologies that have been adopted internationally. Most couples in the North East can be seen as NHS patients and the Centre receives referrals via GPs. A fee paying service is available for those who are not eligible for NHS funded treatment.

Newcastle University Institute of Genetic Medicine

Established in 2001 as the Institute of Human Genetics, the Institute of Genetic Medicine is one of seven Newcastle University research institutes within the Faculty of Medical Sciences and Newcastle Biomedicine. It encompasses a total of over 150 staff and postgraduate students who, together with almost 150 Northern Genetics Service NHS staff, occupy purpose-built accommodation at Life.

The Institute was renamed in 2011 to reflect the increased emphasis on world-leading translational research carried out within seven research themes spanning clinical medicine. IGM’s mission is: to harness genetic, developmental and cell biology to understand and treat human disease by developing and implementing new therapies.

How research at Life is enriching lives >

The NHS Northern Genetics Service

Part of the Institute of Genetic Medicine, 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 a diagnostic and "genetic counselling" service across the region for people with problems or susceptibilities relating to genetic disorders.

These disorders include single gene disorders such as muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease and cystic fibrosis plus birth defects and/or learning disabilities with a genetic component. The Newcastle Muscle Centre at the Institute of Genetic Medicine is one of three centres in England for the diagnosis and management of inherited muscle diseases supported by the British Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.