
Life is celebrating its 25th birthday this year! Over the past quarter-century, it has made a lasting impact – from babies born through groundbreaking fertility treatments to patients benefiting from pioneering research and clinical care. And, of course, the science centre has inspired and entertained thousands of families, school groups, and adults.
As we mark this milestone, we’re sharing stories from those whose lives have been shaped by Life.
Maria Rossini, Head of Education at the British Science Association, reflects on how working as a Science Explainer at Life over 20 years ago was a pivotal moment in her career.

Working as a Science Explainer at Life Science Centre over 20 years ago was a “pivotal piece in the career puzzle” of Maria Rossini.
Now Head of Education for the British Science Association (BSA), Maria has enjoyed a career in science communication since working at Life, including projects with the BBC, Disney and London’s Science Museum.
Maria said: “I was always curious as a child and stayed curious as I grew up, always wanting to know more, which naturally led me to enjoy science.
“A lot of people go down either a science or an arts path, but I kept my options open and studied Biology, Chemistry and Spanish at A level. I soon realised though that my main interest was studying science and that I could just do more arts-linked projects in my spare time.
“I was studying at Newcastle University when Life first opened, and I can remember thinking what an amazing addition it was for the city, bringing together a place to inspire children into science as well as the real world application of science too, all on one site.
“So it was probably no surprise that my first job after graduating was as a science explainer at Life which really set me off on my career path.
“It really was the perfect internship for science communication, giving me a great grounding in lots of different science communication skills, so that I could decide what I wanted to specialise in moving forward. There was also a great sense of camaraderie, and it was such a high-energy learning environment.”
After leaving Life, Maria went on to get a PGCE in Science and a Masters in Science and enjoyed a variety of jobs before landing her current role at the BSA in 2016.
Maria is now in charge of leading the national CREST Award scheme – which inspires young people aged 3 to 19, across the country to think and behave like scientists and engineers through activities and resources. The programme sees tens of thousands of young people taking part each year.
Maria is also in charge of setting the educational content each year for British Science Week and is passionate about making STEM accessible to all young people.
“There are elements of our education system that dampens curiosity in young people, reducing science to knowledge and facts instead of questions and exploration. Instead we should be encouraging young people to keep asking questions and to stay curious.
“Research tells us that people who are underrepresented in STEM, which includes girls, are discounting a career in STEM before the age of 10, thinking it’s not something for them.
“This early disengagement is often linked to a decline in confidence in girls at primary school age and the perception that science is only for the ‘super smart.’
“We need to change the ‘elite, smart’ narrative around science that has culturally elevated the subject. Life addresses this challenge by showcasing the diversity of science and emphasising that curiosity, creativity, and teamwork are just as important as traditional academic excellence.
“At Life, children can take on the role of scientists putting on lab coats for some experiments, use open access makerspaces and engage in interactive science demonstrations that make learning enjoyable and educational. This hands-on approach demystifies science and encourages young visitors to see themselves as future scientists, researchers, and engineers.”