The International Centre for Life is a thriving science hub and part of the cultural fabric of the North East.
Who we are
25 years of enriching lives through science
The International Centre for Life (Life) is a dynamic science hub in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne where scientists, clinicians, technologists and educationalists work side-by-side on one site.
Opening in 2000, Life is a unique concept and business model, unlike anything else in the world.
The NHS and Newcastle University are key partners onsite; the pioneering research and patient treatments carried out here have earned international recognition and are helping people live better lives.
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Celebrating its 25th birthday this year, Life has transformed countless lives over the past quarter century; from babies born as a result of groundbreaking fertility treatment to patients with debilitating diseases who have benefitted from research and clinical treatment on site.
At the heart of this circle is the award-winning Life Science Centre, which inspires everyone to explore and enjoy science, discover amazing things about the world and have loads of fun doing it.
Life: a place where science lives and grows.
Share your Life story!
Maybe a childhood visit sparked your love for science, or you’ve benefited from the groundbreaking research and treatments that happen on our site here.
Amazing things happen here
Life changing medical treatments
Clinicians working at Life have made international headlines. Advances in genetics and regenerative medicine have enhanced the lives of people living with genetic and neuromuscular diseases.
Pioneering research
Researchers working on-site at Life have advanced the world’s understanding of how to treat cancers, address fertility, and manage genetic and neuromuscular diseases.
Fertility treatment
Thousands of babies have been born thanks to the pioneering work of the NHS Fertility Centre, whose techniques have been adopted worldwide.
Events and family fun
We welcome around 250,000 people a year to our science centre, bringing science to life through exhibitions, activities and events. Our site also plays host to concerts and live events – from gigs to screenings of major sporting events.
Our story so far
For 25 years, Life has been a place where people can go to discover the wonders of science – whether it’s a young child getting a glimpse of the Earth from space, or a researcher working on life-changing treatment.
Onsite partners
Life’s on-site partners continue to do life-enhancing work, both in research and clinical care. The Life site is home to 30 research groups and more than 200 research, diagnostic laboratory and clinical staff, working for organisations such as Newcastle University, the NHS Northern Genetics Service, and the NHS Newcastle Fertility Centre.
A charity, built on an entrepreneurial model
All of the income needed to cover our operating costs is self-generated. We don’t rely on grants or local and national government funding.
Meet the team
Life is about collaboration. Hundreds of researchers, clinicians, educators, business people and science communicators work together to help people explore science – and discover its relevance to their own lives.
Fiona Cruickshank OBE
Chair of the Board
As a North East entrepreneur who founded a successful pharmaceutical manufacturing business, Fiona brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Life team.
Linda Conlon MBE DL
Chief Executive
Part of the original team who transformed a derelict Newcastle area into a thriving science hub, Linda is now one of the most respected figures of the science engagement world.
Our Trustees and Senior Team
Our Trustees and Senior Team ensure Life continues to fulfil its purpose, and makes science a key part of the region’s future.
Latest news
News
Earth Defenders! launched nationally to mark the launch of the BIOMASS satellite
15 April 2025
Earth Defenders! is being shared with science centres nationwide and screened in Life’s planetarjum to mark the launch of the BIOMASS satellite.
News
North East Autism Society Science Club turns five with a special celebration at Life
15 April 2025
Members of North East Autism Society (NEAS) Science Club and their families celebrated its 5th birthday at a special party at Life.
News
Life shortlisted for national award
13 March 2025
Life was a finalist in the Best Event category at the 2025 Cultural Enterprises Awards for its Santa Experience, blending science and festive fun.
News
Giant interactive robotic snail at Life marks start of 10-day celebration of science
7 March 2025
Luma, a nine-metre illuminated robotic snail delighted schoolchildren from across the region as Life marked the start of British Science Week.
Jobs at Life
By joining Life, you’ll be part of a team that values equality and diversity, excellence, active learning, sustainability and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Our climate approach
As the North East’s biggest science centre, Life is committed to helping audiences make sense of complex, controversial and often scary subjects, like climate science.
Our year in review
Over the last year, Life has continued its diverse purpose, to entertain, educate and inspire many different audiences. Find out about everything that’s happened in our Annual Review.
Schools and community engagement
One of Life’s founding principles has been to bring science to different groups and communities. It’s something we’re passionate about. Read about how we’re making that happen.
Our partners and supporters
Our work at Life is possible thanks to our collaborations with partners and supporters across the North East and beyond.
Be part of our future
By donating or becoming a member, you can help us continue to inspire people in the North East to explore science and discover its relevance to their own lives.
