3D Printing in Medicine: From Science Fiction to Reality

A talk by Professor Brian Derby, a pioneer in bioprinting

printed organ
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Date and time
19 June 2025
6.30 pm
Add to Calendar 06/19/2025 06:30 PM 06/19/2025 08:00 PM Europe/London 3D Printing in Medicine: From Science Fiction to Reality A Manchester Lit & Phil event: Join us as we explore the remarkable progress in bioprinting both locally and globally International Anthony Burgess Foundation, 3 Cambridge Street
Manchester
M1 5BY
Location

International Anthony Burgess Foundation
3 Cambridge Street
Manchester
M1 5BY
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Price
£15.00 General Admission / £6.00 Students / Members book for FREE
Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible

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Overview

From Fiction to Possibility

In Mary Shelley’s iconic novel, Victor Frankenstein harnessed electricity to breathe life into inanimate matter. Fast forward to recent times, and we find films like “Moon” (2009) and “Mickey 17” (2025) exploring the ethical complexities of human cloning. These narratives spark a fascinating question: Could we someday print fully-functional human beings, much like Star Trek’s replicator materialized objects on demand?

 

Science Fiction Becomes Science Fact

What once seemed confined to the realm of science fiction is increasingly crossing into scientific reality. The journey from imagination to implementation has always been medicine’s most exciting narrative. Consider organ transplantation—first conceptualized in fiction in 1925, before becoming reality with the first successful kidney transplant in 1954.

 

Manchester’s Pioneering Role

The field of bioprinting stands at a similar frontier today. Two decades ago, Manchester proudly hosted the first International Workshop on Bioprinting, establishing our city as an early pioneer in this revolutionary technology. Since then, Manchester’s scientists and clinicians have remained at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field, pushing boundaries and transforming possibilities.

 

Current Breakthroughs and Future Horizons

Join us as we explore the remarkable progress in bioprinting both locally and globally. We’ll journey through current capabilities—from printing simple tissues to the complex challenges of vascularized organs. We’ll examine the latest breakthroughs in biomaterials, cell sourcing, and fabrication techniques that are bringing us closer to printing functional human tissues and organs.

 

Ethical Considerations and Practical Applications

Our discussion will bridge the gap between what was once purely imaginative and what is now scientifically achievable. We’ll consider not just the technical aspects, but also the ethical implications and regulatory frameworks that must evolve alongside these innovations.

 

About the Speaker

Professor Brian Derby is a pioneer in bioprinting who coined the term itself and has led ground-breaking research at the University of Manchester for over 20 years, collaborating with medical scientists and local hospitals to develop 3D printing applications for medicine.

 

Who Should Attend

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a technology enthusiast, or simply curious about how science fiction continues to inspire medical advancement, this talk offers a fascinating glimpse into a future where bioprinting may revolutionize personalized medicine and potentially solve the global organ shortage crisis.

 

Practical Information

The talk includes a Q&A session and light refreshments can be purchased from the venue’s bar.

Booking is essential. Lit & Phil members: we recommend logging into the website to make booking your free member ticket quicker and easier.

 

Accessibility Information

The venue is wheelchair accessible with an accessible toilet on the ground floor. Please contact us regarding any specific accessibility requirements you may have by emailing events@manlitphil.ac.uk

professor brian derby

Professor Brian Derby

Brian Derby is Professor of Materials Science in the Department of Materials, University of Manchester. He is a pioneer in the use of 3D printing for applications in medicine and is credited with coining the term Bioprinting to describe this area of work. He has worked with Life and Medical Scientists in the University of Manchester and Local Hospitals for the past 20 years developing Bioprinting for a range of applications in medicine.

Brian studied in Cambridge as an Undergraduate and for his Ph.D. in Materials Science, before working for the European Space Agency in Grenoble. He returned to Cambridge University as a Postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Engineering before joining the Staff at the Department of Materials in Oxford University, where he began his research in 3D Printing.

Brian came to Manchester in 1999 originally to UMIST before it merged with the Victoria University of Manchester. He has worked closely with industry in the UK and has had three patents awarded on his work.

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