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

Sharston Materials Recovery Facility Tour

Posted on: March 20th, 2025 by mlpEditor

Experience first-hand where recycling happens! The Sharston Materials Recovery Facility processes recycling from nine Greater Manchester boroughs, expertly sorting materials like glass, steel, aluminium, and various plastics.

Our two-hour visit includes a comprehensive tour of the facility guided by the passionate Education Team. You’ll witness the story of the first stages of the recycling journey – from mixed to sorted – and on its way to becoming something else. Enjoy discussion time to ask questions about proper recycling practices and learn what truly happens to items after they leave your bin.

 

Important Information:

  • The tour involves walking and stairs
  • Casual clothing recommended (jeans and trainers ideal)
  • Safety equipment (including hard hats) will be provided
  • Please inform us in advance if you have pacemakers, insulin pumps, cochlear implants, or mobility needs, as we’ll customize the tour to avoid strong electromagnets used in processing
  • This educational experience is completely free of charge

 

Getting there

  • The site is at Longley Lane, Sharston M22 4RQ.
  • It is an 18-minute walk from Gatley railway station.
  • There is a visitor car park on site.

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

 

Manchester City Centre Peace Trail: A Guided Walk

Posted on: March 14th, 2025 by mlpEditor

Curious about the hidden stories of peace in our city? Come along with Steve Roman, passionate peace activist and storyteller, as we wander through Manchester’s streets uncovering the remarkable Peace Trail during Manchester Peace Week.

Meeting Point: Manchester Victoria Station, underneath the large, tiled map

Duration: 2 hours

Accessibility: It is suitable for people in wheelchairs. The route is paved and flat, apart from one slope. When we go through the Library there are lifts for those who need them.

 

Our Shared Journey

Together we’ll explore how ordinary buildings and familiar corners of Manchester hold extraordinary stories of peace activism and social change. What might we discover about our city’s evolving role—from industrial powerhouse to global advocate for justice and peace? Each stop invites us to see Manchester through fresh eyes.

 

The walk will include the following themes / sites with perhaps some new perspectives:

  • Migration and the movement of peoples
  • Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Manchester Cathedral and the campaign against Chattel Slavery
  • John Dalton, the “Nuclear Timeline”, the Peace Garden, MAG (Mines Advisory Group) and the Nobel Peace Prize
  • The Hidden Gem and religious tolerance, Free thinking and Science
  • The Free Trade Hall, Suffragists and Suffragettes
  • and, subject to time, Peterloo, the popular reform movement and Engels

 

The guide is donating his fee to charity

 

Join the Wider Conversation

This walk is part of Manchester Peace Week—a community celebration brought to life by CARISMA (Community Alliance for Renewal, Inner South Manchester Area). Professor Erinma Bell’s vision continues to evolve as we gather for this annual tradition, creating spaces where peace, safety, and harmony can flourish across our diverse communities.

Don’t miss the week’s culmination at the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse, where the everyday heroes weaving peace into the fabric of our neighbourhoods will be celebrated.

Wonder more at: carisma.me.uk | discoverpeace.eu | manchesterpeacetrail.org.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

Exploring Immigration: A Dialogue on Building Our Shared Future

Posted on: March 3rd, 2025 by mlpEditor

Join us for an illuminating evening of honest conversation about one of the most significant forces shaping our society. As Manchester continues to evolve into an increasingly diverse metropolis, we’re bringing together remarkable community leaders to explore how immigration enriches our city while thoughtfully addressing the challenges of creating a truly integrated society.

Tickets are free but booking is essential. To book your ticket, please visit MACFEST’s Eventbrite page

 

Our Distinguished Speakers

Qaisra Shahraz MBE JP FRSA

An acclaimed British-Pakistani novelist and activist, she has dedicated her life to weaving connections between communities. As founder of MACFEST (Manchester’s Muslim Arts and Culture Festival), she creates spaces where different cultures can meet, share stories, and discover their common ground. Her work demonstrates how art and culture can transform understanding between people of all backgrounds.

Erinma Bell MBE DL JP

Brings invaluable perspective as a British-Nigerian community peace activist, councillor, and pioneering leader. Her groundbreaking work in Moss Side and Longsight has shown how strong communities can overcome serious challenges through cooperation and mutual support. As the first woman honoured with a sculpture in Manchester Town Hall / Central Library, her legacy inspires new approaches to building safer, more connected neighbourhoods.

 

Topics for Discussion

Together, they’ll explore questions that matter to all of us: How do we honour both shared identity and cultural distinctiveness? What role can education play in bringing communities together? How can we support newcomers while strengthening existing community bonds? Drawing from their rich personal and professional experiences, our speakers will share insights into creating a society where everyone can thrive.

 

Event Chair

Guiding this important conversation will be Darryl Morris, the award-winning broadcaster, filmmaker, and writer known for his thoughtful approach to complex social issues. His skilled facilitation will help us move beyond simplified debates to explore practical paths forward.

 

Audience Participation

This evening isn’t just about listening – it’s about participating in shaping our future. We warmly invite audience members to share their experiences, questions, and ideas as we work together to envision and build a more connected Manchester.

Join us as we explore how our city’s diversity can become its greatest strength.

 

Practical Information

Tickets are free but booking is essential. To book your ticket, please visit MACFEST’s Eventbrite page

 

Accessibility Information

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

The Problem of Evil

Posted on: February 19th, 2025 by mlpEditor

One of the biggest challenges to Christian faith is a seemingly simple question: If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly good, why does evil exist? This Lit & Phil Philosophy Forum explores this fundamental question and examines how Christian thinkers have tried to answer it.

We will examine three key aspects of this problem:

The Logical Challenge: Can evil and the Christian God exist at the same time, or does this create an impossible contradiction? We’ll explore four main responses from Christian thinkers:

  • Divine Justice: The idea that suffering exists as a necessary consequence of human sin, starting with humanity’s first wrong choices
  • Freedom of Choice: The argument that God values human free will so highly that He allows for the possibility of evil choices
  • Character Development: The view that facing difficulties helps develop human virtues like courage and compassion, preparing us for a better afterlife
  • Ultimate Purpose: The belief that, despite appearances, everything serves a greater good in God’s plan

The Amount of Suffering: Even if we accept that evil and God can coexist, why is there so much suffering in the world? Is the amount of pain we see really necessary? We’ll examine whether the above arguments adequately address this question.

Animal Suffering: How do we explain the suffering of animals, who aren’t moral agents making free choices? We’ll look at how Christian thinkers have tried to make sense of this particularly challenging aspect of the problem.

 

This seminar will encourage attendees to think critically about these deep questions while examining both historical and contemporary perspectives on the problem of evil.

The session will be presented by Andrew Bailey, and there is a focus paper written by Andrew that we recommend reading in advance to enable you to get the most out of the discussion.

 

Good to know: We take pride in putting the fun back into serious philosophy through our friendly and respectful discussions involving different levels of experience of philosophy.  The Lit & Phil Philosophy Forum is all about collectively exploring interesting and exciting ideas from different viewpoints … not winning arguments!

 The focus paper for reading in advance of the session, can be downloaded here.

 We are usually oversubscribed, so if you book but find out later that you cannot attend, please cancel your ticket to free up a place for someone else. Thank you.

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

 

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. Booking opens Wednesday 19 February 2025.

Sign up to our newsletter

Sign up to our e-newsletter to receive exclusive content and all the latest Lit & Phil news

* indicates required