The fascinating journey of fertility science, from groundbreaking IVF to the cutting-edge frontiers of reproductive medicine will be discussed at a free after-hours event at Life Science Centre.
Baby Love: The Newcastle Fertility Story on Thursday 16 October is the latest event to mark Life’s milestone 25th anniversary.
The evening, which takes place underneath Luke Jerram’s stunning Gaia artwork, offers visitors a rare opportunity to hear directly from world-leading fertility specialists and researchers.
This includes Dr Louise Hyslop, the first embryologist in the UK to be approved as a mitochondrial donation practitioner for so-called ‘three person babies’, globally renowned expert in reproductive medicine Professor Alison Murdoch, who founded Newcastle Fertility Centre, and Mr Kevin McEleny, a urologist and current Chair of the British Fertility Society.
Together they will explore how Newcastle became a hub for fertility treatment at the turn of the millennium; the challenges faced along the way – from legal restrictions to public opinion – and the breakthroughs that have changed lives.
Following on from national news this week that researchers have created human eggs from skin cells, the panel will also look at emerging technologies and potential breakthroughs on the horizon that could change fertility treatment in the future.
Mum-to-be Jacqueline Blackett, who is a patient with the Newcastle Fertility Centre and 20 weeks pregnant, will also speak about her personal journey to parenthood. The NHS Newcastle Fertility Centre has been a cornerstone of the Life story since it opened 25 years ago, transforming countless lives, with 6000 babies born as a result of fertility treatment delivered on site. The clinic has played a pivotal role in advancing fertility treatments globally. Most recently in July 2025, the Newcastle team announced a world first after eight babies, all at risk of mitochondrial disease, had been born free of complications.
“The NHS Newcastle Fertility Centre has made an extraordinary contribution, not just to families here in the UK, but to the world.
“From helping thousands of people to become parents, to leading the way in mitochondrial research, the clinic represents the very best of innovation and collaboration.
“As we continue our 25th birthday celebrations, this free event is a chance to recognise that work. It promises to be an entertaining and informative evening, with a great line up of speakers.”
Visitors will also have the chance to enjoy a range of hands-on science activities including examining their cheek cells under a microscope and comparing them to sperm and egg cells.
There is limited capacity for the event which starts at 6.30pm and for more details visit our event page.