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