First keynote speakers announced for pioneering MLSFF conference this March
The first keynote speakers have been announced for the first ever Minoritised Life Sciences Future Forum conference (MLSFF), which takes place from 31st March to 2nd April 2025 at the ICC Birmingham.
This groundbreaking event is the first of its kind in Europe, and is designed to foster an inclusive and collaborative space for scientists from minoritised and underrepresented backgrounds.
MLSFF is dedicated to amplifying voices across all STEM disciplines. It is a space that celebrates diversity and intersectionality, welcoming individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including but not limited to ethnic minorities, disabilities, neurodiversity, low-income or widening participation backgrounds, mature students, LGBTQ+, and anyone who feels they can contribute to or benefit from this space.
The steering committee has just announced the conference’s first keynote speakers, including Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (London); and Irene Hulede, Education Director for the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).
Professor Fenton is a senior public health expert and infectious disease epidemiologist, who has worked in a variety of public health executive leadership roles across government and academia in the UK and internationally, including taking a leading role in London’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was awarded a CBE in the 2022 New Year honours list for services to public health.
Irene Hulede serves as Education Director for the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). In this capacity, Hulede oversees the development and implementation of trainee and faculty programs and services in the microbiological and biological sciences and leads educational activities, various external grants and cooperative agreements.
She is the project director and co-principal investigator for ABRCMS and principal investigator for ASM MOSAIC Program and ASMCUE.
MLSFF offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with students, early-career professionals, industry, and academics from diverse backgrounds, joining a vibrant community of collaboration, empowerment, and innovation.
It offers a mentorship scheme, volunteering opportunities, workshops and networking, as well as inspiring speakers and the chance to meet industry professionals and university representatives offering career advice, mentorship, and recruitment.
Contributions are welcome from all life science fields, including engineering and data science.
Abstract submissions are open to all students (from college, undergraduate to postgraduate) and staff members. There are numerous routes to free attendance through the MLSFF registration grant and the MLSFF travel grant. Financial support is offered for those who need it to attend the conference.
