Welcome to
CaféScientifique, Launceston
Our next meeting is
Tuesday 10 November 2026 - 7.00pm
at Eagle House Hotel, 3, Castle Street
Launceston PL15 8DW
"Nanoplastics & Liver Pathology"
Matthew Cramp, Professor of Heptology,
Peninsula Medical School &
Consultant Heptologist, South West Liver Unit, Derriford Hospital
Since starting single handed, Professor Cramp has established high quality, comprehensive specialist liver services for patients living in the southwest and has led the development of the South West Liver Unit.
In parallel with clinical service development, he has built an active clinical trials program with a broad portfolio of over 20 studies currently active. Matthews original research interest was in hepatitis C virus infection helping to drive the rapid progress made in both understanding and treating this prevalent infection He established the Hepatology Research Group (HRG) at University of Plymouth in 2008 delivering translational research on viral hepatitis, alcohol related liver disease, fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma from state of the art laboratory facilities at the Derriford Research Facility, adjacent to Derriford Hospital. His interest in nanoplastics and liver disease started in 2019 and the work has evolved rapidly with the Centre of Environmental Hepatology being established in 2025.
Professor Cramp has been actively involved in national service development, policy, training and research in many roles including Chair of the British Liver Transplant Group (2022-2025), President of the British Association for the Study of the Liver (2017-2019), founder member of the Lancet Commission on Liver Disease (2014-2021) and as expert clinical advisor to the Hepatobiliary Clinical Reference Group.
For more information, go to our Future Meetings page
Welcoming Curiosity
We believe that science should be accessible and engaging. Our mission is to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and everyday curiosity through an informal, community-driven setting. After the talk by a guest speaker, there is a question and answer session and general discussion. Anyone can ask a question and those which begin "This might be a stupid question but ……. ?" are positively welcomed.
Founder, Prof Colin Webb (left) & current chairman, Prof Steve Rowland
Founding Chair of CaféScientifique,Launceston, Colin Webb FRS, MBE, Professor emeritus at the University of Oxford, and his wife Margaret, who was previously Secretary of CaféSci, were presented with a gift and card at a dinner at The Eliot Arms, Tregadillett, Square & Compass, recently as thanks for their long-standing contributions to the success and continuity of the group. In addition to his former Chairmanship, Professor Webb also a remained an active member of the CaféSci Committee until the AGM in April this year.
Professor and Mrs Webb founded the Launceston branch in 2010 with a simple goal: to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and the everyday curiosity of our community. What began as a small gathering of fellow enthusiasts has grown into a vibrant hub for public discussion.
Present Chair of CaféSci, Professor Steve Rowland and members of the committee presented Professor and Mrs Webb with a framed print of “Launceston Castle from the South” (1814) painted by JMW Turner. CaféSci has always held scientific meetings in the shadow of the Castle (formerly at the Liberty Coffee Shop and presently at the Eagle House Hotel) and the committee hope the painting will remind Prof and Mrs Webb of happy times in Launceston.
Recent presentation to CaféSci,Launceston founder,
Prof Colin Webb FRS MBE
Café Scientifique, Launceston
is generously sponsored by
Future Meetings
Where Curiosity finds its Community
We gather to share stories, challenge assumptions, and celebrate the wonder of discovery in an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared interest.
Like-minded People
Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for science. From local researchers to curious beginners, we are all here to learn together.
Open Dialogues
Engage in thoughtful, structured conversations that bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and everyday understanding.
Shared Knowledge
Deepen your knowledge through collaborative exploration of topics ranging from astrophysics to biology, in a relaxed atmosphere.
