The aim of this event is to promote the work of seven Israeli universities. Tel Aviv university is the most prominent institution featured. Its most recent annual review boasts of "playing a major role in enhancing Israel's security capabilities and military edge".

Israel's top army lawyer, who drew up the legal justifications for the recent bombing of Gaza, has just got a job teaching Law at Tel Aviv University. Along with the generals and politicians who ordered the bombing, she stands accused war crimes.

An open letter calling for the event to be canceled is drawing widespread support. It states, "We believe that confidence in our museums as public institutions would be damaged if our Science Museum allowed itself to be seen as giving a platform to promote "Israeli interests", rather than "scientific" interests.

Alan Tyldesley, a scientist who works on preventing fires, has signed the letter. "I hold a science degree, and for the last 30 years have worked to use my science and engineering knowledge in the pursuit of safety at work," he said.

"I am always dismayed when science is used to progress the design of weapons and military hardware. After the Israelis used their hi-tech army against Gaza, anyone with any humanity can only recall in horror. We should not publicise Israeli science in such a way in Manchester."