Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne

A Visitor Attraction and Scientific Centre that are Both World-Class

Aug 21, 2008 Anthony Toole

Situated within two minutes' walk of the main railway and Metro station, Newcastle's Centre for Life aims to inspire the next generation of scientists.

The Centre surrounds the pedestrian precinct of Times Square, where a steel sculpture of a DNA molecule, draws visitors toward the entrance to a wonderland of science.

The theme that dominates the continually renewed exhibitions is that of human life and its place in the scheme of living things, the environment of the planet and the universe at large. Though the focus is primarily on education and stimulating the interest of young people, adults also could not fail to be enthralled by what can be experienced here. The emphasis is very much toward the ‘hands-on’ approach to science.

Displays and Activities

Amid a display about human evolution, young visitors are encouraged to hunt in the dust for fossil bones. Human physiology is explored through a series of exercises, which include tightrope walking, skipping, rowing, stone jumping and wall climbing. This can be followed by an examination of blood pressure, pulse rate, energy consumption, strength and speed, leading to a general fitness rating.

At various times, floor space is occupied by moving models of perennial favourites, such as dinosaurs and mythical monsters. Other displays illustrate such issues as pollution, waste disposal and energy generation. Even the youngest visitors are catered for, with many activities suitable for under-fives. There are also live creatures that children are encouraged to handle.

At regular intervals throughout the day, demonstrations are held in closed venues within the centre.

The Motion Ride

The panoramic screen of this 48-seat cinema takes one on a breakneck dash through anything from a cartoon landscape to an urban traffic race to a derelict gold mine. Realism is enhanced by seating of which the sways, shudders and bumps are synchronised with what appears on the screen.

The Dome

In the planetarium, one can relax on a reclining seat to enjoy a moving display of the night sky, which takes one from the solar system to beyond the galaxy. At intervals throughout the year, this exhibition may be replaced by a travelogue exploring some of the more exotic places on earth.

Life Theatre

In an 80-seat auditorium, live science demonstrations are given by young scientists, many of whom are working toward a higher degree and are thus experts in their field. Young members of the audience are invited to answer questions and help with experiments in a format similar to that of the famous Royal Institution Christmas lectures.

Education and Research

Throughout the year, free lectures and discussions are held in which scientists at the top of their fields are invited to talk about their work. Among the speakers have been Richard Dawkins, Adam Hart-Davis, Baroness Susan Greenfield, Sir Martin Rees and Nobel Prizewinner and co-discoverer of the DNA structure, James Watson.

The stunning exhibitions at the Centre for Life support cutting-edge research in biotechnology. The adjoining Life Bioscience Centre contains offices and laboratories where research is undertaken into fertility, aging and stem cells. Occupying another part of the Centre is Lifelab, where school students can become involved in experimental projects designed to boost their scientific understanding.

The Centre for Life is not a place for a quick visit. One must be prepared to spend at least a few hours here. In fact it may prove difficult to drag oneself away at the end of a trip.

Admission:

Adult £8, Child (Under 17) £5.85, (Under 5s Free), Concessions £6.95, Family ticket £24.20 All areas are accessible to wheelchairs.

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