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.
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 a diagnostic and "genetic counselling" service across the region for people with problems or susceptibilities relating to genetic disorders.