Message from the Chief Executive, Linda Conlon
Whether you started your new year by embracing veganism, opted for a dry January – or the polar opposites – I hope your 2020 has got off to a positive start. We kicked off the year with a bang: a new exhibition launched by an astronaut; an inspirational event with North East sixth formers, who shared their ideas on saving the planet; and a sell-out dry ‘Late’ event that encouraged a ‘happy new you’ with laughter yoga, a silent disco in the Space Zone and vegan bath bomb making.
Life is 20 this year, so we plan to keep the momentum going. From birthday celebrations in the science centre to an evening event with the former head of MI5, there’s something for everyone. See our website for details – I do hope to see you at one of these special events.
As always, if you have any thoughts, ideas or experiences to share, please get in touch by emailing info@life.org.uk.
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We have lift-off!
Life’s newest exhibitions, Space Zone and the Making Studios, were officially launched by British astronaut Helen Sharman on 29 January (pictured above left, with Mike Sarna from Wellcome and Linda Conlon).
As well as cutting the ribbon (or in this case, setting off the indoor fireworks) Helen shared stories of her amazing career to enthralled audiences, which included 200 local school children, plus funders and some of the 150 scientists and experts who helped shape the Space Zone.
Helen became the first British astronaut when, in May 1991, she launched on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and spent 8 days orbiting the Earth, living and working on the Mir Space Station.
She praised the relevance of Space Zone, which explores how we use space technology in our everyday lives and how the future of space exploration is being shaped in the North East. As well as being an entertaining experience, it showcases the breadth of career opportunities available to young people.
Space Zone and Making Studios have been supported through the Inspiring Science Fund. The scheme is co-funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome. Additional support has been provided by The Garfield Weston Foundation, the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust and the UK Space Agency.
Image credit: North News
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Shaken – and a bit stirred
Dame Stella Rimington, who is known as the role model for the character M played by Dame Judi Dench in the James Bond 007 films, will speak candidly about her life and career at Life on 16 March. The evening event takes place ahead of the highly anticipated release of the 25th James Bond 007 film, No Time to Die, which opens on 3 April 2020.
Dame Stella was appointed Director General of MI5 in 1992 – the first woman to take the post and the first to be publicly named in the Government’s new spirit of openness. She is now an internationally-renowned thriller writer. For more info and to book tickets, visit our website.
Dame Stella kicks of a spy season at Life, which also includes a Bond-themed adult After Hours on 26 March, where visitors can play a game of Assassin and learn how to use maths to ace at poker. For families, we’ve developed a spy-themed Easter holiday programme, which includes the chance to create a dastardly disguise in the Making Studios, try a laser maze and make invisible ink in the Experiment Zone.
Image credit: copyright Zach Chudley 2016
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Extending the welcome for all
One of Life's key values is to be welcoming: our team, customers and communities are diverse, and we celebrate that. We want everyone to feel comfortable, respected and valued.
Last weekend, Life launched a new monthly event for people with autism and other sensory needs. At Sensory-friendly Sundays, visitors have the opportunity to explore the science centre with lighting and sound levels altered, and to enjoy a relaxed performance in the planetarium. We have also been working to improve the experience for visitors with hearing difficulties.
Partnership is key and Life is working closely with North East Autism Society and local deaf societies to improve our experience. You can read more about Life’s growing reputation in this field here.
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Young people call for climate change
90 sixth formers from schools across the North East gathered at Life to share their thoughts on the planet's future. At the event, on 31 January, participants debated climate change from a local perspective – for example, schools with rural catchments have radically different positions to those from urban areas.
A hot topic among the students was the carbon footprint of food. Students also discussed controversial solutions to the climate emergency, with ideas including financial incentives for people to remain childless, eating insects for a sustainable protein source and limiting air travel for everyone to one flight per year.
The ideas will form a collective young people’s vision of what society needs to do to limit climate change.
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A gaggle of gongs
Two Life friends received special accolades at the start of the year. (As if we need an excuse for more cake!)
Life Trustee Paul Smith was awarded an OBE for services to technology in Newcastle in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. Paul, who joined Life's Board in 2018, founded Newcastle accelerator programme Ignite and Campus North eight years ago. He stepped down as Chief Executive three years ago and is now busy running business search engine Ricochet, while also regularly helping aspiring tech entrepreneurs.
Professor Greta Defeyter of Northumbria University has been listed as one of The Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers for 2020 for her research work. The magazine’s annual list recognises some of the “awe-inspiring” individuals and organisations doing what they can to make things better in Britain and beyond. Greta was hailed a “food poverty hero” for leading on the fight against holiday hunger – when parents struggle to feed their children outside of term time.
Well done both!
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And finally
If you have played a part in the Life story over the past two decades, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’ve benefited from treatment at one of the on-site NHS clinics, been part of a research study, or been inspired by a workshop, exhibition or event, please share your stories by emailing 20years@life.org.uk
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Social Life
Some of our favourite posts on social media from around the science centre. #ScienceAtLife
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Many thanks to @xxleahs_crazy_lifexx, @autisticadventurer, @lauren_and_rocs and @mamofthenorth for sharing your pictures with us on Instagram!
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