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Getting the science rite
Every day, you’ll see an eclectic mix of people walking around the International Centre for Life, including families, school groups, teachers, business people, research scientists and NHS clinicians. Since Tuesday, I can now add a few dozen members of the clergy to the list!
Their visit to Life was organised by St John’s College at Durham University for its project Equipping Christian Leaders in an Age of Science as part of a three-day conference that focussed on evolution and the beginning and end of life.
Professor Mary Herbert talked about the pioneering research taking place on-site into mitochondrial replacement therapy, while Professor Deb Henderson discussed advancements that have been made in understanding how the heart develops in an embryo.
I have watched these research studies develop over the years, but I was as much in awe as the new congregation.
As always, if you have comments or questions, or just want to know more, do get in touch.
Best wishes
Linda Conlon, Chief Executive
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Newcastle University professors jump on Board for Life
We are pleased to welcome Professor Richard Davies and Professor Joris Veltman to our Board of Trustees. Both have many years of specialist industry experience behind them that will be immensely valuable to Life.
Professor Richard Davies (pictured top) is the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Engagement and Internationalisation at Newcastle University. He is a petroleum geologist and founder of the Durham Energy Institute.
Professor Joris Veltman (pictured bottom) is the recently-appointed Director of Newcastle University’s Institute for Genetic Medicine. He came to Newcastle from Radboud University Medical Centre in the Netherlands.
Alastair Balls, Chairman of the Trust for the International Centre for Life, said: “It’s great to be able to welcome these two star scientists who will strengthen our mission as the premier science centre of the North.”
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Life responds to changing online habits
If you have been on our website lately, you might have noticed that it has a new look.
One of the main drivers behind the redesign was the need for greater mobile optimisation, with almost 60% of our website visitors now accessing it via a mobile device.
Now we are opening our (virtual) doors to you. Love it or hate it, we welcome all feedback on the new website, so please send your comments to our Digital Marketing Manager, Antonia Lister.
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The fruit of years of work for fertility researchers
We couldn’t be more proud of our on-site partner Newcastle University for being at the forefront of developing a new fertility treatment that could allow women with mitochondrial disease to have children without the risk of passing on the disease to their offspring.
Following the green light from the UK regulator in December for clinics to apply for a licence to treat patients with the technique, the Newcastle Fertility Centre, which is based at Life, is the first to be successful in gaining a licence.
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60-second interview with.... new Head Chef, Glen Robson
Earlier this month, Glen donned his chef's hat and took control of our kitchen. Now, chefs are used to working under pressure, so being in the hot seat for this interview should be a breeze for him.
1. What is your proudest work-related moment?
Opening of my restaurant/café/deli in Australia and taking a little business from 0 covers to well over 2,000 per week.
2. What’s your favourite dish to prepare and why?
Sunday Roast Chicken, because of its simplicity. Then you can use the scraps up in another dish, make a stock from the carcass and, hey presto, you’ve got yourself three meals!
3. Is there any truth in the chef stereotype of having a short fuse?
We’re just very, very passionate about the food we are preparing. Take from that what you will!
4. Have you ever cooked for a celebrity or a high-profile guest?
How long have you got?! The most high-profile is the Queen and Princess Margaret (who liked to have her spaghetti chopped up), followed by Bill Clinton, who was so impressed with the food that he wanted to meet the kitchen team.
5. Tell us something about you that might come as a surprise even to people who know you.
I have always wanted to be an actor.
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