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In this issue:
A post-Brexit wake-up call for the international science centre community, a new grant for community education work, a heads-up on World Science Centre Day and news of more breakthrough research from our partners on site…
…and a chance to meet the man who lived as a goat in the Alps. No kidding.
As always, if you have comments or questions, or just want to know more, do get in touch.
Best wishes
Chief Executive, Life
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Rallying call for global science centres post-Brexit
I was privileged to address colleagues from around the world on 24 September, at the opening address of the annual conference of the Association of Science and Technology Centres (ASTC) of which I'm chair. ASTC is the international body that gives a collective voice to over 50 science centres around the world. Over 1600 delegates, from as far afield as Japan, New Zealand, all states of the U.S - and Newcastle upon Tyne of course - attended the four day conference in Tampa, Florida.
Brexit is not just a British preoccupation. It's a phenomenon that seems to interest people around the world. I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the new political divide post-Brexit (which sees a shift away from traditional ‘right versus left’ politics) and why science centres have to rethink their business models if they are to survive and meet the needs of future audiences - audiences that increasingly are dominated by immigrants and refugees. It was a controversial topic, and one which struck a chord with many, including Americans in the audience, because for the most part, this mirrors the divide playing out in the current presidential election.
It certainly stimulated a debate at the conference - and I would welcome your views too.
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First World Science Centre Day
Another hot topic at the ASTC conference was the first ever International Science Centre and Science Museum Day on Thursday 10 November - organised by ASTC with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and ICOM (International Council of Museums) and with the support of networks in other continents around the world - in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, India and South America.
Events to mark this world first will take place in science centres from China to the USA. This is a great opportunity for science centres to showcase some of the great things we are doing and to highlight that collectively we can address global challenges such as the ones indicated in the previous article.
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Thank you Wellesley Foundation
After a turbulent few months for the UK, good news is always welcome. We are delighted to announce that Life has been awarded a grant by the Wellesley Foundation to extend its educational outreach work with primary schools in the west of Newcastle. Life currently runs a children’s science club which involves collaborating with teachers so they can bring science into the classroom in interesting and engaging ways.
As an educational charity receiving no funding from central or local government, we are very appreciative of grants like this. The support allows us to develop and deliver mission-driven activities which aim to ignite and nurture a curiosity in everyone for science, technology, engineering and maths and encourage the next generation of STEM professionals. |
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New perspectives on the brain
To celebrate the launch of Life’s Brain Zone which opened in April, we’ve devised a programme of events and activities. Here are two of them:
You might remember #thedress, the internet phenomenon of spring 2015? Was it blue and black, or white and gold? The differences between the way people see the dress reveals fundamental differences between the way people’s brains work. Anya Hurlbert, Professor of Visual Neuroscience at Newcastle University, will deliver a talk which illustrates some of these differences, especially through the phenomenon of colour constancy, a vital feature of normal colour vision. The event takes place on Tuesday 11 October at 6pm.
Find out more and book online >
Thomas Thwaites will be visiting Life as part of our monthly Friday Night Life series on 18 November to talk about his experiences of living as a goat in the Alps. Yes really – and no butts!
Find out more and book online >
Brain Zone and the associated events are supported by the Wellcome Trust.
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Advance in prostate cancer treatment by scientists at Life
Dr Jennifer Munkley, Research Associate at the Institute of Genetic Medicine, based at Life, has co-led a three year research project with Professor David Elliott which has resulted in an important development in prostate cancer treatment.
The scientists identified a group of molecules that could be targeted to slow tumour growth. Results suggest that testosterone changes certain genes - known as glycans - to make cancer cells more likely to grow and spread to other parts of the body.
Dr Munkley said: “Now we have identified these glycans we will be able to develop strategies to inhibit them and help patients with this condition.”
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Student’s genetic test offers hope to leukaemia patients
In another major medical breakthrough for Life, student Chloe Richardson (23) has developed a clinical test for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia while spending the third year of her degree on placement at the Northern Genetics Service, based at Life.
The test, which successfully identifies genetic mutations found in certain individuals, means patients can find out if they have a less aggressive form of the disease and the level of treatment required. Northern Genetics Service is already using the test as part of the standard diagnostic testing for this type of cancer.
Image credit: Sunderland University.
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Interested in a change of office scenery? The historic Market Keeper’s House in Times Square is looking for new tenants.
The stone-built, listed building was designed by John Dobson and built in 1840 as offices and family accommodation for officials of the cattle market which existed on the site of what is now Times Square.
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A Northumberland care home, which offers its residents the chance to have a dream fulfilled, was taken aback when Tommy (81) said he’d always wanted to travel to outer space. Life helped this aspiring astronaut see the stars up close.
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