This plenary session marks the formal opening of the Congress. It includes speeches from Professor Liu Dun, President of the IUHPS Division of the History of Science and Technology, and Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President of the University of Manchester, to welcome our 1700 delegates to the Congress, the University, and the city of Manchester.

Professor Hasok Chang, President of the British Society for the History of Science – iCHSTM’s hosting body – will then deliver the BSHS Presidential Address.