Q&A Myth Buster

Mar 14 2008 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

Why is Newcastle a Science City?

The Government recognised that science could be used to stimulate and lead economic growth and that Newcastle already had world-class science taking place in research areas that are representative of key issues of the twenty first century. From its designation as one of six English Science Cities in December 2004, Newcastle has created a focus on four ‘themes’, each chosen to build on and reflect our existing expertise in Ageing and Health, Energy and Environment, Molecular Engineering, and Stem Cells and Genetic Sciences.

How will Newcastle Science City benefit everyone?

Developing Newcastle as a base for world-class science will have long-term benefits for the city and wider region. Opportunities through commercialisation of research will help attract inward investment and lead to job creation. The right environment needs to be created to allow science and business to grow and flourish together, which will in turn allow for Newcastle Science City to make a significant contribution to the economic and social development of the region. As this environment increasingly takes hold, the barriers between science and the community will be broken down and an interest in science, its applications and potential opportunities fostered among the public, and particularly the young.

Where is it taking place?

Newcastle is already home to renowned research which is taking place at existing sites across the city which will benefit from additional investment from the Newcastle Science City Partnership. These include £25m at the North East England Stem Cell Institute and £7m at the Campus for Ageing and Health located at the Newcastle General Hospital site. The 19-acre former brewery site in central Newcastle is also being transformed into a hub for Newcastle Science City and will form a new quarter of the city where science and business can thrive together. The brewery site will be one physical location for Newcastle Science City’s work and, like the other facilities being invested in, is planned to meet the requirements of the future and to make its success even greater.

What will the brewery site be used for?

As a ‘hub’ for Newcastle Science City, the brewery site is being planned as a mixed-use development. The masterplan for the site is currently being developed and the completed development will include spaces for scientific research, business and education to exist alongside each other, as well as other activities. The site itself is one of the largest sites available anywhere for urban regeneration and will be a striking reminder of Newcastle’s scientific expertise both in the past and for the future.

How will Newcastle Science City effect long-term change?

Science has long been part of the city of Newcastle – and the region’s - rich heritage and Newcastle Science City is a new phase in that history. Ongoing investment is structured for the long-term in order to provide sustainable prospects for growth, exploit commercialisation opportunities and help deliver changes in skills, employment and educational attainment. Newcastle Science City will help provide a framework for development and change that is shown in the Core Partners’ commitment to an ongoing, long-term partnership.

Why are scientists choosing Newcastle Science City?

We already have leading scientists living and working here and more and more are seeing the benefits. These scientists bring their teams with them, leading to more talent arriving and developing new opportunities and networks for them to be part of in a world-class setting. One such example is Professor Hans Lochmueller from Germany who has relocated to Newcastle to work with Newcastle University’s Muscular Dystrophy Group as the Chair of Experimental Myology. By attracting scientific talent such as his in the right environment, further recruitment of world-class scientists can continue.