PROGRAMME

MLSFF26 builds on the momentum, learning and energy of last year’s forum, bringing the community together once again for three days of insight, connection and action. Taking place in March 2026, this year’s programme will continue to centre equity, scientific excellence and collective ambition within the life sciences.

From emerging researchers to sector leaders, the programme will showcase the breadth of talent across our community. Sessions will include flash symposia, panel conversations, workshops, roundtables and keynote talks, alongside space for mentoring, networking and reflection. Themes will span health inequities, structural change in science, innovation for social impact, leadership, funding access and career progression.

MLSFF26 will widen its regional reach, drawing delegates from across the UK and beyond, while retaining the distinctive atmosphere that made MLSFF25 so powerful. There will be no single pathway through the programme. Delegates will be encouraged to shape their own experience, attending the sessions that resonate, challenge or energise them most.


Download the PDF of the MLSFF26 Conference Programme, including keynote talks, panel sessions, workshops, networking opportunities and more, or simply browse through each day in the carousel below to plan your perfect conference experience:


This schedule will be updated as speakers and sessions are confirmed. Use it to explore what’s planned, understand the structure of the programme, and follow the ideas and conversations shaping MLSFF26.

Monday 23 March
11am – 12pm
Registration and Poster Session

Event Essentials

12pm – 1pm
Workshop - The Growth Paradigm Shift: Rewiring Mindsets for Learning, Leadership, and Impact in STEM

Workshop

1pm – 2pm
Networking Lunch

Event Essentials

2pm – 3pm
Scientific Symposia

Symposia Session

3pm – 3.10pm
Break

Event Essentials

3.10pm – 4.10pm
Mentorship Café

Mentorship Forum

4.10pm – 4.30pm
Break

Event Essentials

4.30pm – 4.40pm
Welcome to MLS Future Forum 2026

Plenary Session

4.40pm – 4.50pm
Welcome to MLSFF 2026 - Professor Emmanuel Adukwu

Plenary Session

4.50pm – 5pm
Tribute to Professor Sir Geoff Palmer

Plenary Session

5pm – 6pm
Welcome Keynote with Professor Devi Sridhar

Plenary Session

6pm – 7.45pm
Welcome Reception

Event Essentials

Tuesday 24 March
8am – 9am
Registration and Refreshments

Event Essentials

9am – 9.10am
Opening Remarks

Plenary Session

9.10am – 10am
Keynote

Plenary Session

10am – 10.10am
Break

Event Essentials

10.10am – 11.10am
Scientific Symposia

Symposia Session

Scientific Symposia - Undergraduate Flash Talks

Symposia Session

11.10am – 11.20am
Break

Event Essentials

11.20am – 12.20pm
Poster Session

Event Essentials

12.20pm – 1.10pm
Networking Lunch

Event Essentials

1.10pm – 2.10pm
Opening & PM Plenary: Panel Discussion - Beyond Initiatives: How do we foster community, leadership and resilience for systemic change?

Plenary Session

2.10pm – 2.20pm
Break

Event Essentials

2.20pm – 3.20pm
Mentorship Café

Mentorship Forum

3.20pm – 3.50pm
Break

Event Essentials

3.50pm – 4.50pm
Workshop: The AI Literacy Equity Challenge - How can we ensure that all students benefit from AI tools? (RSB BAG Network)

Workshop

4.50pm – 5pm
Break

Event Essentials

5pm – 6pm
Scientific Symposia

Symposia Session

Scientific Symposia - Undergraduate Flash Talks

Symposia Session

6pm – 7pm
Break

Event Essentials

7pm – 10pm
Conference Dinner

Event Essentials

Wednesday 25 March
7.30am – 8am
Registration & Refreshments

Event Essentials

8am – 8.10am
Opening Remarks

Plenary Session

8.10am – 9am
Keynote - Professor Robert Mokaya

Plenary Session

9am – 9.10am
Break

Event Essentials

9.10am – 10.10am
Scientific Symposia

Symposia Session

10.10am – 10.20am
Break

Event Essentials

10.20am – 11.20am
Workshop

Workshop

11.20am – 12.20pm
Lunch

Event Essentials

12.20pm – 1.20pm
Workshop

Workshop

1.20pm – 1.30pm
Break

Event Essentials

1.30pm – 2.30pm
Panel: Breaking Boundaries: Translating Excellence in STEM into Entrepreneurial Success

Plenary Session

2.30pm – 3.30pm
Closing Remarks and Prizes

Plenary Session

3.30pm – 4pm
Farewell Refreshments

Event Essentials