Life Science Centre announces record-breaking visitor numbers
Life Science Centre in Newcastle was the place to be during the recent school holidays, with the popular attraction breaking its own record for visitor numbers at Easter.
The International Centre for Life is governed by a Board of Trustees who contribute their time and expertise to help ensure that Life fulfills its mission. Take a look at the 2017 Trustees' Report and Financial Statements for further information.
Alastair Balls CB DL, Chair
“Life is unique in that it’s home to world-class scientific research, an award winning Science Centre, a host of small business spin-outs and a meetings and events centre that hosts major political and scientific conferences. I am immensely proud to be associated with what it has achieved, what it continues to achieve and what it will achieve in the future.”
Trustees
Professor Patrick Hussey
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Science, Durham University
“I have always been keen on the philosophy of Life and the enthusiasm of its staff for the promotion of science to children and adults, often in the family context.”
Cllr. Stella Postlethwaite
Labour Councillor, North Jesmond, Newcastle
“Children and young people play, create and experiment at Life and their enjoyment of science is wonderful to see.”
Dr Steven Gater
Retired headteacher and science teacher
“Life is an amazing place to learn about yourself and the world around you with science. It is always buzzing with activity, bringing together and thrilling people of all ages.”
Clive Cookson
Science Editor, Financial Times
“As a science journalist, I really appreciate the brilliant work that Life does to engage the public in all fields of science – everything from astronomy to zoology.”
Professor Joris Veltman
Director, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University
“I look forward to contributing my skills and working with Life to inspire children and young adults to choose a career in STEM.”
Professor Richard Davies
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and Internationalisation, Newcastle University
“I believe that good communication of science is fundamental to the world that we live in.”
Andrew Hodgson OBE
Chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership
“Science, technology, engineering and maths provide enormous potential for jobs generation in the North East. It’s vital then to ignite an interest in STEM in the region’s young people - and Life does this brilliantly.”
Lucy Winskell OBE DL
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Employability and Partnerships, Northumbria University
“Life is a fabulous asset for the region and, speaking
as a non-scientist, I
appreciate that its
exhibitions and events
make me look at the world differently.”
Professor Roy Sandbach OBE
Director of the National Centre for Ageing Science & Innovation, Newcastle University
“Science is the story of our world and our Universe; Life tells us that story brilliantly, every day.”
Fiona Cruickshank OBE
Angel investor and non-executive director, pharmaceutical manufacturing businesses
“I have always valued the importance of engaging children in science. Life creates an opportunity to sustain that spark of interest with a varied and constantly changing programme.”
Senior Management Team
Linda Conlon MBE, Chief Executive
Linda’s background is in marketing and prior to joining the science centre world she worked in regional development and urban regeneration. She was one of the original team who helped transform a once derelict area of Newcastle into the vibrant science village of Life. She’s now one of the most respected figures in the international science centre community, travelling all over the world to give lectures and advise other bodies on setting up science centres. She has contributed to many boards and external organisations, one of the most significant being the Association of Science and Technology Centres (ASTC) – the US-based professional body that represents more than 600 science centres from over 50 countries. That’s quite an accolade for a Newcastle-based business leader with no science background! In 2016, Linda was awarded an MBE for her outstanding service to science and science education in North East England.
Claire Adams, Property and Corporate Services Director
With a legal career in the public and private sector – latterly specialising in commercial land matters and regeneration – Claire is the director responsible for the Centre’s diverse property portfolio, its income generation and its upkeep (no mean task!) and for keeping our tenants happy. Property provides vital income for the Centre, as it receives no funding from local or central government – we follow the motto ‘there’s no mission without the margin’. Claire’s responsibilities also include corporate governance matters and human resources. In effect, Claire is the person who does the regulatory stuff as well as the hiring and (hopefully not very often) the firing, too.
Liz Dean, Trading and Operations Director
Being in charge of trading and operations means that every day is different. Trading covers all commercial activities, including the ice rink, concerts in Times Square and weddings. Commercial activities provide further income for the Centre to help achieve its charitable mission. Operations covers the day-to-day running of the Centre, ensuring we're open on time, everything is working, toilets are clean, staff are ready to rock. Liz is also in charge of health and safety site-wide. Because of the nature of the role, with many fingers in lots of different pies, Liz works closely with her fellow Directors.
Julia Hankin, Marketing and Communications Director
Whether it's marketing dinosaurs, exhibitions of dead bodies or robots, or organising visits by astronauts, Nobel Prize-winning scientists or prime ministers, Julia has the T-shirt(s). She's responsible for all areas of marketing and communications for Life including the Science Centre, the wider public engagement and schools programmes, plus the promotion of commercial activities including Life Meetings and Events. She’s also tasked with raising awareness of the wider on-site activities and, given the range and breadth of activities, that’s a challenge. Julia has extensive marketing experience in education, industry and tourism and spent 14 years with the BBC as a radio presenter.
Kate Little, Finance Director
Kate looks after all aspects of the financial health of the Trust and its subsidiary commercial company. From overseeing the day-to-day finances, to planning investment strategy, meeting statutory reporting and filing obligations, ensuring adequate insurance cover, tax planning and cash flow – there’s not much that Kate can’t achieve when armed with a calculator and a spreadsheet! Kate spent many years in practice (as a partner in two local practices, Rainbow Gillespie and Haines Watts North East) before moving into the not-for-profit sector in 2010. Kate has a degree in biotechnology, making her career move to Life a "coming-full-circle" story.