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.

 

Accessibility Information

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

 

 

Through the Shop Windows: A Victorian Salford Experience

Posted on: December 16th, 2024 by mlpEditor

Experience the magic of Victorian Salford at Lark Hill Place – a meticulously preserved piece of local history within Salford Museum and Art Gallery.

Step into an evening in old Salford, where gas lamps cast a warm glow over cobbled streets lined with authentic shop fronts rescued from the city’s past. This remarkable recreation, established in 1955, preserves the character of 1870s Salford through carefully salvaged features from houses and shops that would have otherwise been lost to time.

Wander down the atmospheric street with our expert guide and discover the stories behind the Music Shop, Toy Shop, Chemist and Druggist. Call in at the Blue Lion pub, the Blacksmith and Wheelwright, and peek into the Artisan’s cottage and Dressmaker and Haberdasher. Each shop window and doorway offers a glimpse into daily life in Victorian Salford, filled with authentic objects and products from the era.

Your tour continues into the Victorian Gallery, home to historic masterpieces that tell the story of Salford’s rich artistic heritage. Afterwards, enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits while chatting about your experience (£7.00 per person).

Join us for an unforgettable journey through time that brings our local heritage to life.

 

Good to know:

The tour will start at 1.30pm. Please arrive in good time. We will meet at the Information Desk in the museum.

After the tour has finished, why not make the most of your visit by exploring the museum gallery’s current exhibitions at your own pace:

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.

 

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 and light refreshments can be purchased from the venue’s bar. Booking is essential.

 

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

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

 

Overcoming the challenges of global decarbonisation

Posted on: December 9th, 2024 by mlpEditor

The global drive toward decarbonisation has reached a pivotal moment. While we’ve made impressive progress in some areas – particularly in renewable energy and electric vehicles – we now face our greatest challenges. This talk by specialist Chris Goodall explores how we can tackle the most difficult aspects of decarbonisation: from transforming heavy industry and modernizing our infrastructure to ensuring a fair transition for all.

 

Our Journey So Far: Early Signs of Progress

We’re witnessing remarkable progress in our global efforts to tackle climate change. Look at China, where electric vehicles have captured the imagination of the world’s largest car market, now representing over 50% of new sales. In northern European homes, heat pumps are becoming the new normal for heating, showing how quickly we can adapt when solutions make sense. These developments tell us something exciting: the first steps of our energy transition are not just possible – they’re happening.

 

Powering Tomorrow: The Rise of Clean Energy

As we explore the foundations of this transition, we’re seeing renewable energy evolve in fascinating ways. Wind and solar power are becoming more powerful and reliable, while battery technology keeps surprising us with new possibilities. One of the most intriguing developments is how we’re learning to use hydrogen – making it when we have surplus renewable electricity and using it to power our grid when we need it most. What other innovative storage solutions might we discover as we continue this journey?

 

Cracking the Code: Industry’s Next Chapter

Now we’re entering more challenging but exciting territory. How do we transform industries like steel, cement, and fertilizer production that can’t simply plug into the electricity grid? We’re discovering that hydrogen might be key for cement production and high-temperature processes. The transport sector is opening up new frontiers too, exploring synthetic fuels made from captured CO2 and hydrogen. These solutions might play an even bigger role than we currently imagine – what other breakthroughs might be just around the corner?

 

Growing Together: Challenges That Unite Us

As we dig deeper, we find that decarbonisation isn’t just about new technologies – it’s about reimagining our whole society. Here’s what we’re learning:

  • Resource Innovation: How can we get smarter about using and reusing our raw materials? We’re seeing exciting developments in recycling technology every day.
  • Investment for All: While the transition needs significant funding – about 3-4% of GDP over two decades – we’re discovering new ways to make this work for both developed and developing economies.
  • Building Support Together: Perhaps our most interesting challenge is creating change that works for everyone. How can we design carbon-reduction policies that benefit all members of society, especially those most vulnerable to rising costs?
  • Grid Evolution: We’re learning that modernizing our electricity networks isn’t just about technology – it’s about working with communities to create solutions that work for everyone.
  • Food System Transformation: We’re discovering new approaches to agriculture that could help both our planet and our health, from changing what we eat to finding better ways to care for our soil.

 

Moving Forward Together

The path to full decarbonisation is one we’re still mapping out, but it’s filled with possibilities. Every day brings new insights, technologies, and ways of working together. While the challenge is urgent, we’re learning that when we combine our creativity and commitment, solutions emerge that we might never have imagined.

 

Practical Information

The presentation will include time for questions and discussion. Supporting slides will be provided to help understand technical concepts. Light refreshments can be purchased from the venue’s bar. 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

Crime and Punishment – Is Justice Just?

Posted on: December 3rd, 2024 by mlpEditor

How should society respond to crime? This engaging seminar will explore fundamental questions about justice, punishment, and the role of the state.

Together, we’ll examine:

– The moral and legal foundations of punishment: What gives a state the right to punish its citizens?

– Current debates in criminal justice: From prison overcrowding to debates about sentencing guidelines, we’ll discuss real-world challenges facing our justice system.

– Prevention versus punishment: Should we focus more on addressing the root causes of crime or on strengthening enforcement and sentences?

 

Whether you’re interested in philosophy, criminal justice, or current affairs, this discussion will offer valuable insights into one of society’s most pressing challenges.

The session will be presented by Dr Susan Hilton, and there is a focus paper 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.

Forever chemicals: what are we actually exposed to in the UK?

Posted on: November 4th, 2024 by mlpEditor

Environmental pollution is making headlines, but are we focusing on the right risks? Dr David Megson reveals the hidden story of chemical pollution in the UK, exploring the invisible toxic substances that have become part of our daily lives.

 

Why This Matters

While plastic waste and sewage pollution capture public attention through visible evidence, Dr Megson suggests that less visible chemical pollutants may pose greater risks to our health and environment. This talk explores the science behind these “forever chemicals” and their impact on our lives.

 

Key Terms Explained

‘Forever Chemicals’ are defined as substances that persist in the environment and human body for extended periods. These toxic chemicals are carcinogenic (meaning they can cause cancer), mutagenic (meaning they can cause genetic mutations), and teratogenic (meaning they can harm fetal development).

 

Topics Covered

In this comprehensive presentation, Dr Megson will explore the contrast between visible pollution and hidden chemical threats in our environment. He will discuss common sources of toxic chemicals found in everyday products and explain why certain harmful substances remain in use despite known risks. The talk will examine the complex balance between chemical benefits and risks, including historical “miracle chemicals” and their lasting legacy. Current research on chemical exposure in the UK will be presented, along with information about steps being taken to manage chemical risks.

 

What You’ll Learn

Understanding chemical pollution goes beyond visible environmental damage. You’ll discover how these substances enter our lives through everyday products, from food packaging to furniture, and learn about current scientific efforts to understand and manage these risks.

 

About the Speaker

Dr David Megson is an expert in environmental forensics whose research focuses on identifying and understanding chemical pollutants in our environment. His work helps inform policy decisions about chemical safety and regulation.

 

Content Notice

This talk discusses environmental pollution and health risks from chemical exposure. While technical terms will be explained, some content may be concerning to those worried about environmental health issues.

 

Practical Information

The presentation will include time for questions and discussion. Supporting slides will be provided to help understand technical concepts. Light refreshments can be purchased from the venue’s bar. 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

 

Further Information

For those interested in learning more before the talk, we recommend looking at Imperial College’s Environmental Research Group website pages.

Unmasking George Shaw: A Victorian Architectural Rogue

Posted on: October 31st, 2024 by mlpEditor

Discover the extraordinary story of George Shaw – a Victorian architect who blurred the lines between historical preservation and audacious forgery. This talk, by distinguished expert Dr Peter N. Lindfield, explores how one man from Saddleworth transformed Northwest England’s architectural landscape through a combination of genuine passion and remarkable cunning.

 

The Architectural Maverick

Imagine an architect who could transform ordinary buildings into romantic medieval masterpieces – and who wasn’t afraid to pull off the most audacious historical forgeries along the way. Meet George Shaw, the hidden genius of Victorian Gothic architecture who turned historical recreation into an art form and, on occasion, a thrilling con.

 

From Industrial Landscape to Architectural Fantasy

From the industrial landscapes of Saddleworth, Shaw emerged as a visionary architect who did more than just design buildings. He crafted entire historical fantasies, rebuilding houses and churches to look like relics from a long-lost medieval world. His workshops became a playground of architectural imagination, producing everything from intricate stained glass to elaborate furniture.

 

The Master of Historical Deception

But Shaw was no ordinary architect. With a mischievous streak, he created “authentic” Tudor furniture in his own workshops, selling these clever fabrications to unsuspecting aristocrats – including the Duke of Northumberland and the Earl of Derby. Was he a fraud, or a passionate antiquary pushing the boundaries of historical interpretation?

 

An Invitation to Discover

Join us for a fascinating exploration of Shaw’s world – where architecture meets performance, and history is both celebrated and cleverly reinvented. Discover the story of a man who transformed Northwest England’s landscape, one “ancient” building at a time.

 

About the speaker

Dr Peter N. Lindfield is a lecturer in architectural history at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

 

Special Event Highlight

Signed copies of Peter’s book – The Intimacies of George Shaw (1810–76): Diaries and Letters of a Gothic Architect, Antiquary, and Forger – will be available to purchase after the talk. It is the first work to present extensive, edited, and annotated transcriptions of Shaw’s diaries and letters.

 

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

Imagined Manchester: what our city could have been

Posted on: October 17th, 2024 by mlpEditor

Discover the hidden stories of Manchester’s urban landscape. This talk explores incredible city plans that were never built, revealing fascinating “what if” moments in Manchester’s history.

 

What You’ll Experience

This engaging presentation will showcase extraordinary images of imagined city schemes, share stories about unrealized architectural projects, and provide deep insights into Manchester’s urban development.

 

Fascinating Plans

Jonathan will discuss remarkable unbuilt designs including a part-Eiffel Tower in Piccadilly Gardens, a Deansgate travelator, a communications tower behind Piccadilly Station, a mini-Parthenon on Upper Brook Street, and potential city boulevards and heliports.

 

Key Questions Explored

The talk will delve into how cities develop, why some ambitious plans succeed while others fail, and what truly shapes urban landscapes. These explorations will challenge our understanding of city planning and architectural imagination.

 

Background

This talk is based on Jonathan Schofield’s books “Lost & Imagined Manchester” and “Illusion & Change Manchester”. These books will be available to purchase at the event.

 

Perfect for

Anyone curious about Manchester’s history, urban planning, and alternative city visions.

 

Practical Information

The presentation will include time for questions and discussion. There are no refreshments available at the venue. Booking is essential.

 

Accessibility Information

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

The dark side of sugar: a historical journey

Posted on: October 16th, 2024 by mlpEditor

Discover the complex history of sugar – from its ancient origins to its modern-day impact on global health and society. Dr Neil Buttery explores how this seemingly simple ingredient has shaped our world in profound and often troubling ways.

 

Key Topics

This fascinating talk will explore the evolution of human taste preferences and why we developed such a strong attraction to sweet foods. Dr Buttery will trace sugar’s journey from ancient honey-hunting practices through to early sugar production, examining its significant role in medieval European society.

The discussion will then move to the colonial sugar trade and its lasting impact, before addressing modern sugar industry practices and their implications for public health. The talk concludes with an examination of current challenges and governmental responses to sugar consumption.

 

What You’ll Learn

You’ll discover how our ancestors sought out sweet foods as an essential survival strategy and follow sugarcane’s remarkable 10,000-year journey from Papua New Guinea across the globe. Dr Buttery will explain sugar’s transformation from luxury item to everyday commodity, while addressing the environmental and social impact of its production. The talk concludes with an examination of current debates surrounding sugar consumption and public health initiatives.

 

Content Notice

This talk includes discussion of historical events including colonialism, slavery, and exploitation. While these topics are handled sensitively, some content may be challenging.

 

Practical Information

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

 

About the Speaker

Dr Neil Buttery combines expertise in food history and evolutionary biology to offer unique insights into how our relationship with sugar has evolved over millennia.

 

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

Is Atheism a religion?

Posted on: October 14th, 2024 by mlpEditor

Atheists tend to advocate the belief that there are no deities. In Western society Atheism seems to have increased in popularity as measured by census reporting and development of groups advocating a Humanist approach. However, this does raise the question of where Atheism sits in relation to religion.

How successful are atheists in moving us on from religion?  Is Atheism developing into a religion of its own?

In this Lit & Phil Philosophy Forum we will investigate aspects such as ‘what is religion?’, the differences and similarities between Theism and Atheism, and what the moral questions are that are resulting from a shift to an Atheist-based society – if that is actually the case.

The session will be presented by David Leaver, a retired priest who wrote the focus paper and who also hosts the regular podcast, ‘Church Ahead’. David will utilise his life experiences from working within the Christian Church whilst also taking a broader perspective looking at other approaches to collective approaches to modern society.

David refers to A.C Grayling’s 2023 Manchester lecture on Atheism in his paper and this can be viewed on YouTube here.

Everyone will be encouraged to become actively involved and given an opportunity to discuss their views.

 

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.

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