Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum announces full programme and speakers
The full programme has now been released for the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum conference, which takes place from 31st March to 2nd April 2025 at the ICC Birmingham.
We are delighted to announce that the Future Forum will be hosted by BBC presenter Merisha Stevenson, an experienced broadcaster, presenter, and event host who brings a dynamic and professional approach to every stage.
As a skilled panel facilitator and interviewer, Merisha has hosted high-profile discussions across business, media, and community sectors. She is passionate about amplifying diverse voices and driving meaningful conversations.
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.
The Future Forum 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, LGBTQIA, and anyone who feels they can contribute to or benefit from this space.
The full programme for the Future Forum has now been unveiled. The first day features networking opportunities, workshops on everything from antiracism strategies for real change to the Black PhD experience, and a keynote conversation between Professor Emmanuel Adukwu, Chair of the MLS Future Forum, and Irene Hulede, under whose leadership ABRCMS has become a model for creating spaces where researchers can gain visibility, connect with mentors, and build their careers. The day will include mentor/mentee sessions and a workshop exploring Professor Louise Owusu-Kwarteng’s holistic but unconventional journey into professorship. It will culminate in an evening networking session.
Day 2 will hear from Professor Kevin Fenton CBE MBBS, Regional Director, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (London), hosting a plenary season on tackling health inequalities followed by a series of science symposia. The afternoon will see a series of workshops, plus roundtables on dismantling funding gaps and disability in STEM. A plenary session on reimagining the STEM pipeline moderated by Tomi Akingbade of Black Women in Science network will be followed by more wide-ranging symposia sessions and the conference dinner.
The third and final day features a session led by Professor Leanne WIlliams of the University of Warwick outlining the steps needed to create an academic and scientific culture where everyone can thrive, plus panel sessions on stepping into senior leadership positions; staff data collection to improve race inclusivity; broadening horizons and celebratory drinks.
Other key speakers include Professor Robert Mokaya, provost and deputy vice chancellor at the University Sheffield; Dr Mya-Rose Craig, founder of Black2Nature; Dr Shera Chok, GP and founder of The Shuri Network; Professor Udak Archibong MBE; Gisela Abbam of the General Pharmaceutical Council; and Professor Mba, vice chancellor of Birmingham City University.
The Minoritised Life Sciences Future Forum conference (MLSFF) takes place from 31st March to 2nd April 2025 at the ICC Birmingham.
To find out more and to register, visit the website and sign up for updates.