Newcastle upon Tyne, more than just a city with a storied past, has been a cradle of scientific innovation and advancement. Its history is intertwined with significant scientific achievements and the city continues to be at the forefront of scientific research and development.
Historical Scientific AchievementsFounding of the College of Physical Science
In 1871, the College of Physical Science, later a part of Newcastle University, was established, marking Newcastle as a leading centre for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This institution laid the foundation for the city’s long-standing reputation in these fields.
Lord William Armstrong’s Contributions
Lord William Armstrong, a local industrialist and philanthropist, was instrumental in advancements in hydraulics and his home, Cragside, became the world’s first to be lit by hydroelectricity. His innovations are a testament to the city’s rich scientific heritage.
Pioneering Computing Education in NewcastleEarly Adoption and Curriculum Development
In 1957, Newcastle University established itself as a trailblazer in computing education. It was the first British university to introduce an undergraduate course in computer programming. This initiative was a significant step forward, as it recognized the growing importance of computing technology in various fields. The university’s Computing Laboratory, initially aimed at providing computing support for research purposes, soon expanded its role to educate students in this emerging discipline.
Impact and Expansion
The introduction of this course marked a pivotal moment in the educational landscape of the UK, as it acknowledged the need for formal education in computing. Newcastle’s early commitment to incorporating computing into its curriculum set a precedent for other universities, fostering a new generation of computer scientists and engineers. The program’s success led to the expansion of computing education, both in terms of course offerings and research opportunities.
Legacy and Influence
Newcastle’s pioneering efforts in computing education have had a lasting impact on the field. By integrating computing into its academic programs early on, the university helped cultivate an environment that encouraged innovation and technological advancement. This forward-thinking approach has contributed significantly to the UK’s strength in the tech industry and has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s digital future.
Through these efforts, Newcastle University not only established itself as a leader in computing education but also demonstrated the city’s overall commitment to scientific and technological progress.
Ovarian Cancer Drug Development
In 2019, an ovarian cancer treatment developed by scientists at Newcastle University was approved for NHS use. This achievement underscores the city’s prowess in multi-disciplinary and translational research, particularly in the field of medical science.
Development and Approval
Developed by scientists at Newcastle University, Rubraca®, also known as rucaparib, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of ovarian cancer. It offers a new treatment option for women with relapsed ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer that has responded to platinum-based chemotherapy. Since its development, Rubraca® has been supplied internationally, with over 52,000 units distributed since 2016, primarily in America. In 2019, this groundbreaking treatment received approval for use in the NHS, marking a crucial milestone in its accessibility and impact.
Clinical Leadership
Dr. Yvette Drew, a Consultant Medical Oncologist and Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University, played a pivotal role in the clinical development of Rubraca® in the North East. Her leadership and the efforts of the Newcastle scientific team were instrumental in bringing this drug to a wider group of patients globally, offering them a new hope in the fight against ovarian cancer.
Mechanism and Benefits
Rubraca® is classified as a PARP inhibitor, targeting a defect in the cancer cell’s ability to repair DNA damage. By inhibiting the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1), Rubraca® effectively targets tumour cells while minimising harm to healthy cells. This mechanism of action offers patients a better quality of life for longer periods, significantly delaying cancer progression after chemotherapy and reducing the need for further chemotherapy treatments.
Research Team and Discovery Process
The discovery and development of Rubraca® were led by a multidisciplinary team of researchers at Newcastle University, including Professors Hilary Calvert, Nicola Curtin, Barbara Durkacz, Bernard Golding, Roger Griffin, Herbie Newell, and Ruth Plummer. Their collaborative efforts represent a significant achievement in cancer research and treatment development. The history of Rubraca® traces back to the work of the Newcastle Cancer Drug Discovery Group, where researchers initially focused on inhibitors of DNA repair enzymes. The first clinical trial of Rubraca® was conducted in Newcastle in 2003, followed by further trials, leading to its eventual approval and success.
The development of Rubraca® by Newcastle University researchers marks a significant contribution to medical science, particularly in the field of cancer treatment. This achievement not only underscores the university’s commitment to innovative research but also highlights the potential of collaborative efforts in leading to groundbreaking medical advancements.
New Science Areas and Buildings in NewcastleThe Stephenson Building
The redevelopment of The Stephenson Building, initiated in 2021, is part of Newcastle’s ongoing investment in top-notch facilities. It is designed to provide an exceptional environment for student experiences, research, and innovation
Newcastle upon Tyne’s legacy and ongoing endeavours in scientific research and innovation are remarkable. From its historic beginnings in scientific education to the cutting-edge developments in technology and medicine, the city continues to foster a culture of discovery and progress. Newcastle architects have played a significant role in shaping these scientific spaces, contributing to the city’s dynamic and forward-looking scientific community.
Newcastle Helix
Newcastle Helix, a 24-acre development on the site of the former Scottish & Newcastle Brewery, is a testament to the city’s commitment to innovation. It functions as a living laboratory, where projects and experiments are conducted in real-time, bridging the gap between academic research and commercial innovation.
Urban Sciences Building
The Urban Sciences Building, an ‘intelligent building’ with 4,000 sensors, is one of the most monitored and high-performance buildings in the UK. It serves as a hub for the School of Computing, showcasing Newcastle’s cutting-edge facilities in technology and data science.