Few changes in the world today have greater significance than the continuing increase in life expectancy. The medical, scientific and societal challenges of population ageing are immense and new knowledge is urgently needed to ensure as high a quality of life as possible, throughout the life-course. Understanding ageing is crucially important because a large proportion of medical conditions develop as people grow older.

Recognising the benefits of better understanding the ageing process, the UK Government has identified it as a major priority and Newcastle, as a city of science excellence is recognised throughout Europe as leading the way.

The last two decades have seen major investment in the both buildings and research into this high profile area, enabling the city to capatalise on its strengths and continue to make major contributions that are impacting upon people's lives across the world.