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Alastair Balls CB DL

Honorary President

Alastair Balls was a major driving force behind the founding of Life and served as its Chief Executive for the organisation's first seven years, and then as Chair for 13 years, stepping down in June 2020.

Prior to this, Alastair was Chief Executive of the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation following a career in Whitehall, where, among his many appointments, he served as Senior Economic Advisor to HM Treasury and Undersecretary at the UK’s Department of Environment.

Alastair Balls is Centre for Life's Honorary President

Our business model

Life is charity, built on an entrepreneurial business model which ensures that all of the income needed to cover operating costs is self-generated.

Annual review

Over the last year, Life has continued its diverse purpose, to entertain, educate and inspire many different audiences.

Support us

Life is a charity, which aims to make science inspiring and relevant to the lives of all its visitors. You can support our work in a number of ways.

Work for Life

By joining Life, you’ll be part of a team that values equality and diversity, excellence, active learning, sustainability and an entrepreneurial spirit.