3D Printing in Medicine: From Science Fiction to Reality

Posted on: April 15th, 2025 by mlpEditor

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

Manchester’s Arts and Crafts Revolution: Unveiling the Northern Art Workers’ Guild

Posted on: April 7th, 2025 by mlpEditor

William Morris and Manchester’s Creative Roots

Manchester has long been a hidden gem in the Arts and Crafts movement, with connections that run far deeper than most realise. William Morris, the movement’s most iconic figure, was a frequent visitor to the city, and Manchester was home to the only Morris & Co shop outside of London – located right on Albert Square.

It was here that Morris first shared his now-famous philosophy: Do not have anything in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful – words that would echo through design history.

 

A Crucible of Artistic Innovation

The city was a crucible of artistic and social innovation. Morris delivered his groundbreaking lecture Art, Wealth and Riches at the Manchester Royal Institution (now Manchester Art Gallery), an event that challenged contemporary thinking – though perhaps a bit too radically for its initial audience!

Alongside Morris, other influential figures like John Ruskin frequently lectured here, and artists such as Walter Crane – who was Head of Design at the Manchester Municipal School of Art from 1893 to 1896 – helped shape the city’s creative landscape.

 

The Northern Art Workers’ Guild: A Revolutionary Collective

But there’s an even more fascinating story waiting to be told. In 1896, a group of passionate local artists, architects, and artisans came together to form the Northern Art Workers’ Guild – a collective that would challenge the traditional narratives of the Arts and Crafts movement. Unlike many contemporary movements that focused on rural idylls or London-centric perspectives, this Guild planted its roots firmly in the heart of industrial England.

 

Breaking Barriers: Women in the Arts and Crafts Movement

What makes this Guild truly remarkable was its progressive spirit. At a time when women were often marginalized in professional circles, the Northern Art Workers’ Guild was radical in its approach. Women were not just members but active, equal participants – holding office, delivering talks, and showcasing their work in open exhibitions.

 

A Lasting Legacy of Design and Creativity

Though the Guild existed for a relatively short period (1896-1912), its influence rippled far beyond its years. Its legacy continued through subsequent initiatives like the Manchester branch of the Design & Industries Association, established in 1917, and the Red Rose Guild of Artworkers, which began its annual craft exhibitions in 1920. These organisations ensured that Manchester continued to be an important centre for craft and design in the inter-war years.

 

Join Us for an Extraordinary Journey

Join us for an extraordinary journey through Manchester’s hidden design history. Barry Clark will unveil this captivating narrative through a beautifully illustrated talk, bringing to life original documents and untold stories of creativity, innovation, and social change. As an experienced lecturer, author and craft bookbinder, Barry offers a uniquely insightful perspective on this fascinating chapter of Manchester’s artistic heritage.

 

Practical Information

The presentation will include time for questions and discussion. Booking is essential.

 

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

How They Built the Atom Bomb: The Manchester Connection

Posted on: March 19th, 2025 by mlpEditor

Manchester’s Atomic Legacy

What connections does our city have to one of humanity’s most transformative scientific developments? Manchester’s scientific legacy holds surprising links to the development of atomic energy and ultimately, the atomic bomb.

 

The Birth of Atomic Theory (1803)

The story begins on October 21, 1803, at the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society on George Street in what is now Chinatown. That evening, John Dalton, a Manchester-based scientist, presented his groundbreaking atomic theory to the Lit & Phil, proposing that atoms were the fundamental building blocks of all matter. This revolutionary idea would forever change our understanding of the physical world.

 

Splitting the Atom (1917)

Just over a century later, in September 1917, Ernest Rutherford achieved another milestone at Manchester University when he split the atom, transforming nitrogen into oxygen. Neither Dalton nor Rutherford could have fully envisioned how their discoveries would ultimately lead to harnessing the atom’s tremendous energy.

 

The path to the Manhattan Project

As we approach the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2025, join Ed Glinert—Manchester historian, author, and tour guide—for an exploration of this remarkable scientific journey. From Dalton’s early theories to Rutherford’s experiments, from the scientists who first recognized the potential of nuclear chain reactions to the Manhattan Project, we’ll examine this complex legacy.

 

Questions to Explore

We’ll also consider fascinating questions:

  • How did Manchester become the world’s first nuclear-free zone in 1980?
  • What factors led to the Allies developing the bomb before Nazi Germany?
  • How do we reconcile the scientific achievement with its devastating human impact?

 

This thought-provoking discussion invites us to reflect on Manchester’s pivotal role in a scientific advancement that continues to shape our world.

 

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

 

Green Hydrogen: Unlocking a Clean Energy Future

Posted on: March 5th, 2025 by mlpEditor

Curious about how we can power our world sustainably? While solar and wind power are making great strides, some industries need additional solutions to eliminate their carbon emissions. That’s where green hydrogen comes in.

 

What You’ll Learn

Join us to discover how this promising technology works and why it matters. We’ll explore:

– How green hydrogen can help decarbonize industries that can’t run on electricity alone, like steel manufacturing and long-distance shipping

– Why current green hydrogen costs more than traditional hydrogen, and the innovative solutions being developed to make it more affordable

– What needs to happen with infrastructure and policy to help green hydrogen reach its full potential

 

About the speaker

Dr Caroline Hargrove is Chief Technology Officer at Ceres Power, a leading developer of green hydrogen technology.

 

Who Should Attend

Through real-world examples and the latest developments, we’ll show how collaboration between industries and governments is helping overcome these challenges. Whether you’re new to the topic or already familiar with hydrogen technology, you’ll gain fresh insights into how green hydrogen could transform our energy landscape.

 

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

How Can We Create a Good Food Future?

Posted on: March 4th, 2025 by mlpEditor

The Food System Challenge

Every day, we encounter diverse and sometimes conflicting advice about what to eat—for our health and for our planet. Our current food system has an enormous impact, consuming vast amounts of fossil fuels, chemicals, and land.

 

Consequences of Our Current Approach

For decades, we’ve focused on maximizing productivity through technology, but this approach has consequences. Our soils are becoming less fertile, threatening future food security, while extreme weather events challenge our food supply’s resilience.

 

The True Cost of Food

Industrial animal farming provides inexpensive meat, but at significant costs to animal welfare, the environment, and public health. New plant-based alternatives offer additional choices, but are they complete solutions? How can nutritious food become accessible and affordable for everyone when fast food is often cheaper than fresh options? And who should take responsibility for making positive changes?

 

Reimagining Food as a Force for Good

If food has such a major influence on our world, how might we transform what we grow and eat into a force for good?

 

Join the Conversation

In this session, Dr. Mitchell invites us to explore our power as both consumers and citizens to shape a new future for food and farming. Together, we’ll navigate the complex challenges facing our food system and discover how we can create our own “good food future”—one that helps restore nature and climate while ensuring healthy food is available to all.

Join us on this journey of exploration as we reimagine our relationship with food!

 

Practical Information

The presentation will include time for questions and discussion. 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

The Roads to Rome: A Journey Through 2000 Years of History

Posted on: February 18th, 2025 by mlpEditor

Did you know that many of Europe’s modern roads still follow ancient Roman paths? Join us as historian Catherine Fletcher uncovers the fascinating stories of the world’s most influential road network.

 

Journey Highlights

Drawing from her own travels from Scotland to Istanbul, Catherine explores:

– How these remarkable roads shaped the cultures and connections of an entire continent

– The diverse voices of those who travelled these routes – from pilgrims and artists to refugees and revolutionaries

– What these ancient highways reveal about power, resistance, and cultural exchange across two millennia

 

Characters You’ll Meet

You’ll meet an unforgettable cast of characters along the way, including spies, Byzantine noblewomen, John Keats, Frederick Douglass, and even Mussolini on his motorbike. Through their stories, discover how these stone-paved paths continue to captivate our imagination and influence our world today.

 

Questions We’ll Explore

The event will explore intriguing questions like:

– Why do Roman roads still appear on modern maps?

– How did local communities respond to these new connections through their lands?

– What can these ancient routes tell us about our present-day networks and connections?

 

Research and Background

Based on original research and Catherine’s personal journey, this talk promises to be an enlightening exploration of history, culture, and human connection.

 

About the speaker

Catherine Fletcher is Professor of History at Manchester Metropolitan University and author of The Roads to Rome: A History. A regular voice on BBC Radio 4 and popular history podcasts, she brings historical insights to wide audiences through her engaging storytelling.

 

Event schedule

5.15 pm – Arrival and check-in

5.30 – 6.30 pm – Drinks reception/food for members and special guests in the Geoffrey Manton Atrium

6.30 – 7.45 pm – Lecture by Professor Catherine Fletcher in Geoffrey Manton Lecture Room 5 (GMLT5)

7.45 pm – Event ends

Download MMU Parking Information

We are very grateful to Manchester Metropolitan University for hosting this year’s Percival Lecture. This is a members-only event and places are limited.

Engels in Manchester: Past Meets Present

Posted on: February 4th, 2025 by mlpEditor

Step into the footsteps of Friedrich Engels and discover Manchester’s hidden histories through fresh eyes. What happens when a descendant of Angel Meadow’s residents retraces one of history’s most influential urban walks?

 

A Book That Echoes Through Time

Join us on a fascinating journey through Manchester’s industrial past as we explore one of history’s most influential urban studies – Friedrich Engels’s The Condition of the Working Class in England. First published in 1845, this groundbreaking work opened the world’s eyes to life in Victorian Manchester and continues to influence how we think about cities today.

 

Uncovering Angel Meadow’s Secrets

Engels walked through Angel Meadow’s working-class courtyards, documenting the harsh realities of industrial life. But what stories lay beneath his observations? What hidden narratives await discovery in those historic streets?

 

Walking in Two Sets of Footsteps

In this special talk commemorating the 180th anniversary of The Condition, we’re thrilled to welcome Orwell Prize-nominated journalist and historian Dean Kirby. As a descendant of Angel Meadow residents, Kirby brings a unique personal connection to this story. He’ll take us along Engels’s original route, sharing fresh insights and unexpected discoveries that add new dimensions to our understanding of Manchester’s transformation from industrial powerhouse to modern metropolis.

 

Practical Information

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

 

About the Speaker

Dr Dean Kirby is an award-winning writer and historian-at-large, who writes and consults on the history of Manchester.

 

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

Manchester: The Original Modern City

Posted on: February 3rd, 2025 by mlpEditor

Overview

Manchester, built on the foundations of industrial capitalism and shaped by nonconformist thinking, provided the perfect crucible for modernist ideas to flourish. From the pioneers of the Industrial Revolution through to the technological breakthroughs of the 20th century, Manchester has consistently been at the forefront of innovation – earning its reputation as the Original Modern City.

 

The Rise of Modernism and Its Pioneers

This talk by expert Eddy Rhead explores the emergence of Modernism as a cultural movement and its profound influence on Manchester’s built environment. Together we’ll examine how the city became a hub for modernist thinking, attracting and nurturing innovative minds across multiple fields.

 

A hub for original thinkers

From Ludwig Wittgenstein’s philosophical contributions to the technological advances at Manchester’s universities – including Alan Turing’s computing breakthroughs and Bernard Lovell’s astronomical discoveries – the city has been a beacon for revolutionary ideas. We’ll also explore how cultural pioneers like Anthony Wilson, Mitzi Cunliffe, and Violet Carson helped shape Manchester’s modern identity through institutions like Granada Television and Factory Records.

 

Architectural Legacy and Future Vision

The discussion will showcase notable examples of Modernist architecture across Manchester’s commercial, civic, institutional, and religious buildings, demonstrating how the city’s architecture evolved to meet changing needs.

We’ll uncover ambitious urban planning proposals from the latter half of the 20th century – some unrealized but whose influence can still be traced in today’s cityscape.

Finally, we’ll examine how post-industrial Manchester reinvented itself through culture-led regeneration, shaping the dynamic modern city we see today.

 

About the speaker

Eddy Rhead is an author, the co-founder of The Modernist Society and co-director of Manchester based independent publishing house the modernist. His knowledge and enthusiasm make him the ideal guide for a gripping exploration of Manchester’s Modernist history.

 

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

Small Particles, Big Impact: Revolutionising Drug Delivery

Posted on: January 7th, 2025 by mlpEditor

Imagine a future where medicines work better and cause fewer side effects. Join us to hear from pharmaceutical pioneer Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu, President of Wolfson College, Cambridge, as she explores the future of medicine through nanotechnology.

Ijeoma and her team are developing groundbreaking nanoparticle technology that delivers drugs precisely where they’re needed in the body. It’s a fascinating breakthrough that anyone interested in technological innovation needs to hear more about.

 

The Challenge in Drug Development

What if we told you that for every successful medicine, 4,999 candidates fail? Drug development is a complex journey, with only 1 in 5,000 molecules making it from concept to market, at a cost of $1 billion per success. Even in clinical trials, 90% of drugs fall short, often because they can’t reach their target effectively.

 

Patient Challenges: A Call for Better Solutions

Ever wondered why half of patients with chronic conditions struggle with their medication? More often than not, it’s fear of unwanted side effects that holds them back. But what if we could direct medicines to focus on diseased areas while sparing healthy tissue?

 

A Breakthrough Approach

This is where the story gets astonishing. Scientists are developing nanoparticles – tiny carriers just a thousandth the width of a human hair – that can guide medicines to where they’re needed most.  Professor Uchegbu’s flagship development, Envelta™, represents a breakthrough in pain management. As a non-addictive alternative to opioids, it addresses a critical need: every year, 80,000 Americans lose their lives to opioid poisoning, while in the UK, 40 families face such tragedy weekly.

 

Building on this success, her team’s research extends into cancer treatments and therapies for sight-threatening conditions, with new discoveries emerging through Nanomerics Ltd., recipient of the 2024 King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. Some of these potential therapies are in clinical trials. Join us as we explore the possibilities of this truly revolutionary approach to medicine.

 

About the Speaker

Professor Uchegbu is a pioneer in pharmaceutical nanoscience and a champion of scientific innovation. As UCL’s Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience and Chief Scientific Officer of Nanomerics Ltd., she has successfully translated laboratory discoveries into clinical applications.

 

About the venue

Sister is Manchester’s new innovation district, where people come together and great ideas flourish.

Formerly known as ID Manchester, Sister is a joint venture between The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech that will see the University’s former North Campus transformed into a world-leading innovation district and welcoming new neighbourhood. Sister will be home to the discoveries, technologies and businesses that shape our future and transform the way we live.

A global hub for science and technology, and a community for entrepreneurs, professionals, families, scientists and creatives alike, Sister represents a new way of thinking about innovation. One based on collaboration, not competition.

Sister provides the perfect conditions for ideas to spark, for collaboration to thrive, and for world-changing innovations to scale.

 

Practical Information

The talk includes a Q&A session.

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

 

Accessibility Information

Please contact us regarding any specific accessibility requirements you may have by emailing events@manlitphil.ac.uk

 

 

Manchester Town Hall: The Revival of a Gothic Revival Masterpiece

Posted on: December 10th, 2024 by mlpEditor

Step inside the fascinating story of how Manchester’s architectural crown jewel is being transformed for future generations. Our Grade I listed Town Hall, one of Britain’s finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture, is undergoing an ambitious restoration that blends heritage conservation with 21st-century innovation.

 

UPDATE – 28/1/25. Due to high demand, we have relocated the event, added capacity and adjusted the start time.

 

Project Vision and Planning

Technical expert Jamie Coath will uncover the intriguing challenges and creative solutions behind the Our Town Hall Project. We’ll explore how Purcell responded to the Council’s vision, carefully assessing this Victorian masterpiece to determine where changes could enhance its functionality and accessibility, while preserving its historic character. Through extensive consultation with the community, Purcell have shaped a vision that honours both the building’s past and its future role in city life.

 

Restoration and Engineering

You’ll discover the painstaking work involved in breathing new life into the external stonework, including the reinstatement of long-lost architectural features and the sensitive removal of 1960s additions. We’ll reveal how modern engineering expertise is being applied to replace the vast roof structure while protecting the building’s Gothic character.

 

Accessibility and Interior Works

One of the restoration team’s most rewarding challenges has been making this civic landmark truly accessible to everyone. Jamie will share how Purcell have thoughtfully integrated new entrances and lifts while respecting the building’s historic fabric. The talk will take you behind the scenes of their most delicate work: the restoration of the building’s magnificent interiors, including the revival of its famous clock and organ.

 

Public Realm

We’ll also explore how the project extends beyond the building itself, encompassing the restoration of the Albert Memorial and the surrounding public spaces that make this such a vital part of Manchester’s civic heart.

 

Looking to the Future

Throughout the talk, we’ll reflect on how this ambitious project is meeting its goals of preserving our city’s heritage while creating a more accessible and sustainable building for Manchester’s future.

 

Join us for an evening of discovery as we explore this remarkable chapter in the life of one of Britain’s most important civic buildings.

 

Practical Information

The talk includes a Q&A session.

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

 

About the Speaker

Jamie is currently the Technical and Conservation Advisor for Purcell.  His particular technical expertise lies in stonework construction and conservation, and other related issues such as historic paint analysis and metalwork.

 

Accessibility Information

Please contact us regarding any specific accessibility requirements you may have by emailing events@manlitphil.ac.uk

 

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