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Grants

The Society makes grants both to individuals and to organisations in support of cultural and scientific activities which increase innovation, outreach and diversity in Leeds and its immediate area. It also supports local museums and galleries and publications relating to the city.

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About the Society

The Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, founded in 1819, is a charity that promotes interest in science, literature and the arts – in the city of Leeds and beyond. We have meetings, lectures, entertainments, publications and visits.

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An image of the Brotherton Library. Taken looking down the staircase. The Brotherton Library, opened 1936.

Promoting science & the arts and supporting the city of Leeds since 1819

Join us and help shape our future

360 grants since 2002

£257,000 in grant awards since 2002

202 years of history

4th oldest Phil & Lit Society in England

We’ve been going over 200 years, but we’re up to date

The Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society is a charity whose purpose is ‘To promote the advancement of science, literature and the arts in the City of Leeds and elsewhere, and to hold, give or provide for meetings, lectures, classes, and entertainments of a scientific, literary or artistic nature.’

Welcome to the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society.

Latest news

29 November 2021

Reith Lectures 2021

If you enjoyed our lectures on Artificial Intelligence you might want to listen to/read this year's Reith Lectures on this topical subject. They will be given by Stuart Russell, Professor of Computer Science and founder of the Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence at the University of California, Berkeley. In four lectures, Russell will explore the impact of AI on our lives and discuss how we can retain power over machines more powerful than ourselves.

20 November 2021

Events Programme 2022

We're planning a typical range of interesting and challenging topics from speakers who are leaders in their field.
1 April 2021

An intriguing connection between LPLS and the Red Planet…???

A Martian sundial might well sound as if it has come straight from some fantasy, but Leeds astronomer and former President of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society Charles Whitmell did actually once build such a device.

Featured projects & stories

Left Bank Opera and Festival

A History of the Clinical Specialties in Leeds 1767-2018

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Grants

The Society makes grants both to individuals and to organisations in support of cultural and scientific activities which increase innovation, outreach and diversity in Leeds and its immediate area. It also supports local museums and galleries and publications relating to the city.

Events

Since 1819, the Phil & Lit has been inviting the people of Leeds to hear from knowledgeable and entertaining speakers. Many are leaders in their field of science, arts or current affairs. We also hold an annual Science Fair and organise occasional visits. Becoming a member means that you’ll receive invitations to all these activities. In future, we plan to have a mix of real and virtual events.