The Duke of Gloucester visited the Centre for Life in Newcastle upon Tyne this week to mark its 25 th anniversary.

The vibrant science hub in the heart of the city, brings together scientists, clinicians, technologists and educationalists from around the world, and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 2000.

The Duke also visited the award-winning Life Science Centre and met local schoolchildren, many of whom were from the West of the city, who were taking part in activities and workshops on-site.

HRH Duke of Gloucester (centre) with Life Chief Executive Linda Conlon (right) and Life’s Head of Schools and Community Engagement Francesca Nichols (left) meet pupils from Lemington Riverside School in Newcastle, taking part in a school workshop | Life Centre

placeholder image — HRH Duke of Gloucester (centre) with Life Chief Executive Linda Conlon (right) and Life’s Head of Schools and Community Engagement Francesca Nichols (left) meet pupils from Lemington Riverside School in Newcastle, taking part in a school workshop | Life Centre

Linda Conlon, Life Chief Executive, who has been part of the leadership team since the project’s inception, said: “I’m so proud of what has been achieved over the last 25 years. It’s been the icing on the cake sharing some of it with The Duke.

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“I’ve very fond memories of the visit by The late Queen. The Duke’s visit today highlights the importance of the life-changing work carried out at Life.”

In 2003, Life was the first place in the UK to produce human embryonic stem cells. Six years later, the site on Times Square became the first place in the world to create human sperm from embryonic stem cells and in 2023 their work led to the first baby to be born using donor mitochondria.