Afua Acheampong

Afua Acheampong is Head of the Black Internship Programme at Health Data Research UK (HDR UK), where she leads the strategic design, delivery and expansion of a national programme focused on improving access, equity and career development for Black students and graduates in health data science.

She is a national Equality, Diversity and Inclusion leader, strategist and speaker with over seven years’ experience advancing racial equity across higher education and research institutions. Afua is the creator of the Nottingham Trent University Black Leadership Programme, a nationally recognised initiative she designed whilst Vice President of Education at Nottingham Trent Students’ Union. Created in 2019, the programme has supported and graduated over 800 Black students, and continues to support students in building confidence, leadership capability and a strong sense of belonging. Today, the programme remains a leading model for inclusive practice in Higher Education.

Afua most recently led race equality at Queen Mary University of London, where she secured the institution’s first Race Equality Charter award. Her practice focuses on institutional culture change, increasing representation of minoritised staff, and embedding race equity across policy and leadership.

At a national level, Afua is Deputy Chair of the Black in Biomedical Research Advisory Group (BBRAG), a national Medical Research Council board overseeing investment into racial equity in biomedical research. She serves as Finance Chair of the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum (MLSFF), where she leads financial oversight and governance for the conference. Previously, Afua sat on the Office for Students Teaching Excellence Framework Advisory Board.

Afua holds a degree in Law (LLB) from Nottingham Trent University and completed study abroad at Western Washington University, studying Political Science.

Professor Emmanuel Adukwu

Professor Emmanuel Adukwu is an academic and Deputy Head of the School of Applied Sciences at UWE Bristol. With a profound commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in science, he serves as a key member of the 'Black in Biomedical Research' Advisory Group (BBRAG). The BBRAG was established to address the underrepresentation of Black heritage researchers in the UK biomedical sector, in collaboration with the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Professor Adukwu's extensive experience in academia and his dedication to equality make him a pivotal figure in shaping initiatives that aim to support marginalised groups within the life sciences. Through his work, he actively advocates for the inclusion and representation of Black and other marginalised researchers, striving to influence policies that reflect the needs and experiences of these communities.

As a speaker at the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum, Professor Adukwu will bring invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by underrepresented groups in life science research. His leadership and advocacy play a crucial role in driving transformative changes in the scientific community.

Tomi Akingbade

Tomi Akingbade has recently completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge, having investigated the role of inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Her passion for equality and representation in the science industry led her to create the Black Women in Science (BWiS) Network in 2018. BWiS Network is a UK-based networking platform that works towards giving Black women the necessary platforms and opportunities to further their careers and interests in the Sciences. Since its launch, BWiS Network has grown to be a safe space for Black women in Science; a global platform providing networking opportunities and career webinars; as well as a contributing voice in the movement towards equity in the Sciences. Tomi is also proud to serve as one of the Chair’s of the MRC Black in Biomedical Science Advisory Group.

Robert Aldridge

Robert Aldridge has been a Councillor in Edinburgh since 1984, where he represents the Drum Brae Gyle ward. 

Between 2007 and May 2012 he was the City’s Environment Leader with responsibility for recycling, refuse collection, street cleaning, parks, carbon reduction and clean air. 

Until his appointment as Lord Provost he was Group Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the Council. 

Robert has been a board member of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and was its chairman from 2007 to 2012. 

Robert has retired from his position as Chief Executive of a national homelessness charity (the Scottish Council for Single Homeless and latterly Homeless Action Scotland). In this role he sat on a broad range of Scottish Government advisory groups and forums (including those relating refugees, homelessness, health and drugs). He was for 20 years the UK representative on the European Federation of Homelessness Organisations (feantsa) and is a past President of that body. 

Robert was educated in Edinburgh at George Watson’s College and attended university at the University of East Anglia where he obtained a 2.1 Honours degree in Comparative Literature and Linguistics with German. 

Robert entered a civil partnership in 2008. His civil partner is a medical consultant in paediatrics. They have been together since 1990.