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A charity, built on an entrepreneurial business model

Times Square during a busy live music concert, part of The International Centre for Life

Life is a unique concept, dedicated to science.

We’re a charity, built on an entrepreneurial business model which ensures that all of the income needed to cover operating costs is self-generated. We don’t rely on grants or local and national government funding.

By tapping into a variety of revenue sources, we can be sustainable and forward-thinking, and can ensure we are here for future generations.

This gives us the freedom to invest in education, exhibitions, activities and events that convey the full wonder and potential of science. 

Overhead shot of the International Centre for Life, which has an entrepreneurial business model

Life raises money in a variety of ways, including:

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Tickets to our science centre.

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The rental of laboratory and clinical space on our site.

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Hosting events, activities and product launches in Times Square.

Our commercial spaces, including three bars and one of the area’s most popular nightclub.

Donations and support from organisations and members of the public.

Onsite partners

We work in partnership with our on-site partners – Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University – as well as a network of individuals, organisations and businesses. As integral partners in the Life project, Newcastle University and Newcastle-upon-Tyne NHS Foundation Trust are not charged a commercial property rental rate for the spaces they occupy on-site.

Newcastle University logo, a valued onsite partner at The International Centre for Life.
NHS Foundations Trust logo, a valued onsite partner at The International Centre for Life.

Professor Peter Higgs

Nobel Prize-winning particle physicist. 29 May 1929 – 8 April 2024. 

Life is a jewel in the region’s crown – a place that fosters creativity, increases scientific literacy and inspires future scientists.

“The International Centre for Life provides huge amounts of pleasure, education and inspiration, especially for young people.”

Bill Bryson, author and former Chancellor of Durham University

“It’s a big part of the North East ecosystem, from the ice rink to events! For example, my son knows Life because it has a nightclub onsite.”

Professor Chris Day, Vice Chancellor of Newcastle University

“It’s so important that science is normalised, visible and accessible; having somewhere like Life in our city centre means that science is not something that’s hidden.”

Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle Central
Towards the late 1900s, the land now occupied by Centre for Life was left mostly abandoned and was ripe for redevelopment.

Learn about Life's history

For more than 20 years, Life has been a place where people can go to discover the wonders of science – read about our evolving story so far.

An NHS vaccination worker operating onsite at Centre for Life.

Our year in review

Over the last year, Life has continued its diverse purpose, to entertain, educate and inspire many different audiences. Find out more about everything that’s happened in our Annual Review.

Life has many jobs roles including hosts, who support with the operations of the science centre

Join our team

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

A North East student with teacher at a Life Science Centre school workshop.

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.