World class science for the benefit of all

Mar 14 2008 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

NEWCASTLE Science City is at the centre of a major drive to establish the city and wider region as one of the world’s premier locations for the integration of science, business and economic development.

Led by three core partners – Newcastle University, Newcastle City Council and One NorthEast – Newcastle Science City involves, and will benefit, a much wider community, including those in business, education and the general public. This will be achieved by capitalising on the huge range of cutting-edge scientific projects and landmark achievements already happening in Newcastle, and encouraging even more in the future by attracting new facilities, funding and expert personnel.

These are ambitious objectives and central to achieving these aims is the commercialisation of science and a bringing together of research and industry. Building on the base of expertise that exists, notably at Newcastle University, Newcastle Science City is focused on four ‘themes’: Ageing and Health, Energy and Environment, Molecular Engineering and Stem Cells and Genetic Sciences.

These areas have all been chosen because of the excellent reputation and work already taking place and a growing interest from interested commercial partners.

Already world-leading research is supported by significant investments from Newcastle Science City at both new and existing research institutes. These include the North East Stem Cells Institute at the International Centre for Life and the Institute for Ageing and Health at Newcastle General Hospital.

Institutes like these in each of the four key theme areas will be pillars of the Newcastle Science City strategy to deliver the wider benefits of economic growth and business opportunity.

Perhaps the most prominent site is the 19-acre former Tyne Brewery in central Newcastle which is currently being prepared to become the iconic ‘hub’ of Newcastle Science City.

Although the Brewery site is just one of the physical locations connected to Newcastle Science City, it will be a focal point given its size and location. Public consultation took place at the end of 2007 and the master plan is currently being developed by an award-winning consortium of architects and planners for an exciting mixed-use development and a new ‘quarter’ of the city.

Reaching and engaging these different areas of interest is a complex task and a new website, www.newcastlesciencecity.com will help to communicate to everyone, whichever section of the community they come from.

Launching in April and hosting comprehensive information for businesses, scientists, schools and the public, the opportunity exists for an eclectic group to come together to be part of Newcastle Science City and an exciting future.