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Supporting scientists from marginalised and under-represented backgrounds.

Thank you to the MLSFF team for organising this wonderful conference. Such a conference in Europe is long overdue and will provide a safe space for discussion and networking for Minoritised groups. In turn, it will help promote diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM, particularly in the UK.

Dr Ukpai Eze

University of Chester

The journey from school to university, PhD and then doctoral researcher and into an academic career is extremely challenging, particularly when you are racialized as Black. Climbing the very slippery academic ladder meant I had to force my way through many concrete ceilings, before making it to Professor after 25 years. Reflecting back, there has to be a better way.

Professor Winston Morgan

University of East London

The life sciences sector drives progress but struggles with diversity. Marginalised groups—those from underrepresented racial, ethnic, economic, or LGBTQIA+ backgrounds, people with disabilities, mature students, and neurodivergent individuals—face inadequate support. This limits innovation and mirrors inequities, demanding urgent action.

Professor Emmanuel Adukwu

University of the West of England

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The Diversity Challenge in Life Sciences

The life sciences sector plays a critical role in advancing society, yet it faces persistent challenges in diversity and inclusion. Underrepresented groups - such as individuals from marginalised racial and ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities (including mental health conditions), neurodivergent individuals, mature students, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people from low-income backgrounds - remain under-supported. This lack of diversity limits the perspectives necessary for groundbreaking research and reflects broader societal disparities. There is an urgent need for action to create a more inclusive and equitable field.

Celebrating Contributions of Underrepresented Communities

MLSFF is dedicated to highlighting the invaluable contributions of marginalised communities in science. We bring together a diverse group of delegates from across the UK and Europe, including students, early-career researchers, and seasoned professionals. It truly is a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing research, and building meaningful connections.

A Catalyst for Change

MLSFF is a transformative initiative aimed at challenging systemic disparities and creating equitable spaces for collaboration and discovery. By amplifying diverse voices, MLSFF signals a commitment to shaping a life sciences sector enriched by the full spectrum of societal perspectives.

Empowering Minoritised Scientists

MLSFF is designed to empower minoritised students, researchers, and professionals by providing an inclusive environment to share their work, connect with peers, and tackle shared challenges. It addresses systemic barriers such as inequities in academia, limited access to funding, and the lack of visible role models. By spotlighting these issues, the Future Forum advances actionable solutions and new pathways for progress.

Inspiring the Next Generation

We seeks to inspire and nurture a sense of belonging among life scientists from diverse backgrounds. Through workshops, networking, and keynote speeches, participants gain the tools, confidence, and connections needed to thrive and drive innovation in the field. MLSFF is a step toward a more inclusive and dynamic future for the life sciences.