More speakers announced for Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum this spring

The latest speakers have been announced for the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum conference (MLSFF), which takes place from 31st March to 2nd April 2025 at the ICC Birmingham.

We are delighted to announce that we will be joined by Professor Robert Mokaya, Provost & Deputy-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield; Dr Victoria Lund, Programme Manager for the Population and Systems Medicine Board at the Medical Research Council; healthcare professional and entrepreneur Georgina Fihosy; GP and The Shuri Networtk founder Dr Shera Chok; Professor David Mba, Vice Chancellor of Birmingham City University; and Professor Winston Morgan, Professor of Toxicology, Equity and Inclusive Practice at the University of East London.

Professor Robert Mokaya OBE FRS is Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sheffield. He was appointed OBE in 2022 for services to the Chemical Sciences and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 2023. He is President-Elect of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2024 – 2026) and will be President for the period 2026 to 2028.

Meanwhile, we will also be joined by Dr Victoria Lund, a Programme Manager for the Population and Systems Medicine Board at the Medical Research Council, covering Respiratory & Inflammation and Rare Diseases. 

Another speaker, Dr Shera Chok, is a GP and the Chair of the multi award-winning Shuri Network which she founded in 2019. She is passionate about increasing diversity, innovation and safety and empowering women from minority ethnic groups to lead and engage with digital transformation. 

Georgina Fihosy is a healthcare professional, strategic account manager, and entrepreneur who has successfully navigated the intersection of science, business, and creativity. She is an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of AfroTouch Design, a pioneering Afrocentric greeting card and stationery brand.

Professor David Mba is Vice Chancellor of Birmingham City University and his role is to lead and develop the strategic vision and aspirations of the University. David has led the development of the University’s Strategy for 2030 and Beyond and works with the University Executive Team to ensure the delivery of its strategic ambitions.

And finally Professor Winston Morgan is Professor of Toxicology, Equity and Inclusive Practice at the University of East London. His other important roles are as EDI leader for the school, a safeguarding officer, PGR course leader for HSB and REF Impact champion.

Future Forum 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.