The International Centre for Life, a flagship millennium project in Newcastle upon Tyne, is marking its 25th birthday (May 27) with a major £1.5 million investment in new exhibits.
Life, which was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000, is a vibrant science hub in the heart of the city, bringing together scientists, clinicians, technologists and educationalists from around the world, on one site.
The NHS and Newcastle University have been key partners from the outset and the cutting-edge research, patient treatments and notable world firsts carried out on site have earned international recognition and continue to help people live better lives.
In 2003, Life was the first place in the UK to produce human embryonic stem cells, six years later Life became the first place in the world to create human sperm from embryonic stem cells and in 2023, the first baby was born using donor mitochondria thanks to work carried out at Life. Life celebrates its milestone 25th birthday in May and this agreement reinforces its wide-ranging programme to engage people from all backgrounds in STEM underpinned with Northumbria University’s world-leading research and academic expertise.
At the heart of the site is the educational visitor attraction, Life Science Centre, which embraces a broad range of science, with a particular emphasis on space, climate and early years. Its purpose is to inspire everyone to explore and enjoy science, in a non-threatening environment through family-friendly hands-on exhibits, inspiring live shows and the region’s most advanced planetarium, as well as curriculum-linked schools’ workshops and events for adults and pre-schoolers.
In 2021, Life also became the first science centre in the world to be repurposed as a large NHS vaccination centre during the Covid-19 pandemic and around half a million people access the services and activities on site each year.
Life Chief Executive Linda Conlon, has been part of the leadership team since the project’s inception, transforming the once semi derelict area of Newcastle into a thriving science village.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating this milestone anniversary. When Life opened 25 years ago, the ambition was to create something that would have lasting value for the region – not only as a visitor destination, but also as a place that makes a positive difference to people’s lives.
“That mission remains at the heart of everything we do today. I’ve have been touched by the many stories that people have shared – from families who’ve grown up visiting the science centre to patients whose lives have been changed through ground-breaking treatment pioneered on site.
“The past 25 years have been exciting and eventful. I’ve no doubt that the next chapter in the Life story will be equally fascinating.”
Linda Conlon, Chief Executive of the International Centre for LifeMarking its 25th anniversary, Life Science Centre has invested £1.5 million on its latest collection of immersive and interactive exhibits. Lightbox, focuses on light, colour and sound and includes an interactive digital water display by BAFTA-winning games studio Preloaded and an 8-metre-high moving wave exhibit, created by artist Paul Friedlander, whose work has been shown on four continents.
As it enters its next chapter, Life aspires to be the most accessible and inclusive visitor attraction in the UK. This builds on Life’s international reputation for innovative work in creating a welcoming environment for all visitors which has won many accolades, including the international Mariano Gago Award for work with autistic communities.
“The Centre for Life has been an iconic location in our city for 25 years, transforming a derelict plot into one of the world’s greatest centres for science outreach.
“Science is something for all of us, that’s something I believe in passionately and the Centre for Life stands as an unmistakable reminder of that very simple truth.”
Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West and Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Life is celebrating 25 years! We’ve been reminiscing about some of our favourite memories since we opened and would love to hear yours!
