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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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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.

Make a donation

Events are currently free to members and non-members alike. If you would like to make a donation, using this PayPal button is an easy and secure way to contribute to the Society. You will help us to support scientific and cultural activities in years to come.
Upcoming EventsPast Events

The battle for textiles

From West Yorkshire wool to global multi-fibre business: shifts in power & environmental impacts - David Hart & Shirley-Anne Sherriff

Astbury Conversation – Zooming in on the Molecules of Life 

Richard Henderson won a Nobel Prize for his work looking into structures of molecules forming the basis of life. Hear his remarkable story.

Public Cheney Lecture: A Thing of Beauty

Where science and art combine

Russian invasion of Ukraine: some critical reflections at the time of crisis – Dr Vlad Strukov

Reflections on Putin’s war in Ukraine - a Hot Topic talk

Laureate’s Library Tour

Poetry, conversation and a celebration of libraries - a University of Cambridge online event

Science Fair

Annual event at Leeds Museum - all welcome - no booking required

Thinking ahead about presenting the past

Deepening Connections, Widening Impact: Leeds Museums & Galleries 2022-27 - Dr David Hopes

Does Colour Exist?

A vividly illustrated talk exploring our understanding of colour - Professor Stephen Westland

Yorkshire – devolution or division?

A talk exploring the relationship between central and local government in the UK's largest county

Leeds in 1821

A Leeds Phil & Lit talk at Leeds City Museum 10:30am Thursday 2 December 2021. Rachael Unsworth, Urban Geographer and Tour Guide.

The Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and the search for ancient life on Mars

A Leeds Phil & Lit 'Hot Topic' talk by Professor Nicholas Tosca, University of Cambridge

Priestley Lecture: The air we breathe

How understanding of disease transmission has evolved during COVID-19 Professor Cath Noakes, expert on ventilation

Artificial Intelligence – Part 2

What is ethical AI? A landscape of possibilities and pitfalls Gabriela Arriagada Bruneau, University of Leeds  

Artificial Intelligence – Part 1

An intelligent introduction: opportunities and challenges Professor Netta Cohen, University of Leeds

100 years of the Chinese Communist Party

A sinologist's view of a century of politics and culture in the world's most populous country

The Benin Bronzes, Colonial Violence & Cultural Restitution – Professor Dan Hicks

The story of the Benin Bronzes sits at the heart of a heated debate about cultural restitution, repatriation and the decolonisation of museums. Professor Hicks, author of ‘Brutish Museums’, makes a powerful case for the urgent return of such objects.

SARS-CoV-2 variants: how do they arise & do we need to worry about them?

In this talk, leading microbiologist Professor Kellam explained how and why SARS-CoV-2 variants arise and spread and discussed what this may mean for the course of the pandemic and the effectiveness of vaccinations around the world.

A history of pigments from cave paintings to the present day

Dr Christine Holdstock taught Colour Science at the University of Leeds for over 20 years. Before joining the University staff, she worked at WIRA (the Wool Industries Research Association in Headingley), where she obtained a PhD from the University of Leeds on the control of the dyeing process.

The Priestley Lecture 2020. Edward Jenner: a man who changed the world

The 2020 Priestley Lecture is sponsored by the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, The Leeds Library and Mill Hill Chapel. Professor Gareth Williams discusses the life and work of Jenner and his impact on the science of vaccination.

Programme for 2022

Coming soon

What’s it like being editor of Yorkshire’s national newspaper?

James Mitchinson, Editor of The Yorkshire Post, in conversation with Michael Meadowcroft, politician, historian & Leeds Phil & Lit Honorary Secretary

Upcoming events 2022

There will be top academics and practitioners; timeless topics and hot ones; scientific, artistic & literary themes; local focus as well as national and international scope.

We’re planning our return to real life events. The Science Fair will be held at Leeds Museum, Millennium Square, on Saturday 12 March 11:00-16:00.

 

Join us and help shape the future of the society

Become a member for:

  • Special member-only events and lectures
  • Free and discounted publications
  • A free copy of the Society’s Annual Review
  • Opportunity to join the Council
  • Annual membership £25 per year
  • Free membership for under 25s
Join now or learn more

Explore more

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.