The International Centre for Life operates as a self-sustaining "science village", blending a public science centre with research facilities and commercial tenants. The International Centre for Life operates as a self-sustaining "science village", blending a public science centre with research facilities and commercial tenants. Linda Conlon, Life CEO, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Northumbria University in July 2026 Image courtesy of Life In 2016, Conlon was awarded an MBE for her outstanding service to science and science education in North East England. Linda Conlon, chief executive of the International Centre for Life, in its Space Zone Image courtesy of Life “People didn't really talk about science centres as businesses. So, she asks, if you were setting up a science centre for the next 40 or 50 years, would you set it up like a science centre now?