Centre for History and Philosophy of Science
Centre for History and Philosophy of Science
Our research embraces many aspects of the history of science, technology, and medicine, from the 17th century to the present day

Centre for History and Philosophy of Science
We are one of the foremost academic units for the subject in Britain, with nine permanent and several fixed-term staff, and a large and international body of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers. Newcomers are always welcome, and quickly come to appreciate the combination of scholarly seriousness and collegial friendliness, along with the library, archival and object collections that support our teaching and research.
The Director of the Centre is Dr Ellen Clarke.
Our research
The Centre encompasses a vigorous research culture, in which both individual and collaborative projects are supported by a strong spirit of collegiality. Particularly distinctive of Leeds is the close interaction between historical and philosophical scholarship, which yields valuable critical and historiographical insights.
Research embraces many aspects of the history of science, technology, and medicine, from the 17th century to the present day. The Centre is also at the forefront of current research in the philosophy of science, including structural realism, the nature and role of models in science, the nature of scientific representation, and integrated HPS.
The Centre for HPS regularly secures external funding for research projects.
Museum of the History of Science, Technology and Medicine
Our rich collections provide exciting opportunities for your research, and for developing the skills valued in the museum world and more generally in the workplace.
More on Museum of the History of Science, Technology and MedicineSeminar series
Our fortnightly seminars are held during term-time and both staff and students are welcome and encouraged to attend.
More on Seminar seriesHistory of the Centre
Formally, Leeds HPS dates back to 1957, when a local philanthropist, Bernard Gillinson, donated funds to establish a new academic unit.
More on History of the Centre
Study with us
A wide range of history and philosophy of science modules and teaching are available at every level of undergraduate and Masters degrees.
We host a large postgraduate community and offer teaching in many mainstream research areas as well as in important specialist topics. We teach on two taught postgraduate degrees:
Our graduates have gone on to careers in various organisations, inside and out of academia, in the UK and across the world.
Research degrees
We offer supervision and support to students undertaking research degrees in a wide range of topics in the history and philosophy of science. Supervision is available for PhD, MPhil and MA by Research.
Research projects
Our recent research projects include:
- Endless Possibilities of Rejuvenation (2016-2018)
- Scientific Realism and the Quantum (2014 - 2018)
- The risks of childbirth in historical perspective (2016-2018)
Find out more about research projects in the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
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