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.
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.
Workshop - The Growth Paradigm Shift: Rewiring Mindsets for Learning, Leadership, and Impact in STEM
Workshop
Scientific Symposia - Neuroscience & Neurodegeneration
Symposia Session
Scientific Symposia - Health Equity & Community Systems
Symposia Session
Scientific Symposia - Antimicrobial Resistance & Therapeutic Innovation
Symposia Session
Scientific Symposia - Reimagining the pipeline - Inclusive Education in the Life Sciences: From Access to Success
Symposia Session
Panel Discussion - My Truth, My Power: Authentic Storytelling in Research Careers
Workshop
Workshop - Bridging the funding gap for ethnic minority researchers in the UK
Workshop
Mentorship Café
Mentorship Forum
Workshop - From Data to Action: Co-creating Approaches to Address Awarding Gaps in Life Sciences
Workshop
Roundtable - The Faithful Scientists: How Faith & Belief Impacts our Scientific Career
Roundtable
Welcome to Edinburgh - The Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant, City of Edinburgh
Plenary Session
Welcome Keynote with Professor Devi Sridhar - A Career in Global Public Health
Plenary Session
Opening Remarks - Faith Uwadiae, Ecosystems Manager, UK & International, Wellcome
Plenary Session
Scientific Symposia - Vector Biology & Global Infectious Disease Control
Symposia Session
Scientific Symposia - Mental Health, Culture & Systems of Care
Symposia Session
Scientific Symposia - Natural Products, Nutraceuticals & Alternative Therapeutics
Symposia Session
Scientific Symposia - Undergraduate Flash Talks
Symposia Session
Opening Remarks - Dr Sarah Goler Solecki, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Engagement and Change Maker, MRC
Plenary Session
PM Plenary: Panel Discussion - Beyond Initiatives: How do we foster community, leadership and resilience for systemic change?
Plenary Session
Panel - Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling - Career Progression and Leadership Pathways for Black Female Academics
Workshop
Workshop - Who are we in business for? Reimagining Enterprise & Impact
Workshop
Mentorship Café
Mentorship Forum
Roundtable - Shared Journeys: Advancing Representation and Belonging for Disabled People in STEM
Roundtable
Roundtable - Bridging the gap: Using PPIE to build trust and advance HE equity in marginalised groups
Roundtable
Workshop - Investing with Equity: A Solutions Focused Dialogue with Funders
Workshop
Workshop - The Science of Life-Long Learning And Re-Education of The Self: Dr Roger Griffith MBE
Workshop
Workshop - Changing the Narrative: From Lived Experience to Funded Projects for Minoritised researchers.
Workshop
Workshop: The AI Literacy Equity Challenge - How can we ensure that all students benefit from AI tools? (RSB BAG Network)
Workshop
Roundtable - Navigating Career Breaks and Return to Work in the science field
Roundtable
Scientific Symposia - Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Symposia Session
Scientific Symposia - Host-Pathogen Interactions & Infectious Disease Biology
Symposia Session
Scientific Symposia - Undergraduate Flash Talks
Symposia Session
Opening Remarks - Dr Lyn Newton, Dean and Head of School, School of Applied Sciences, UWE
Plenary Session
Scientific Symposia - Resilient Food Systems: From Production to Professional Practice
Symposia Session
Scientific Symposia - Planetary Health, Environment & Community Impact
Symposia Session
Scientific Symposia - Molecules to Ecosystems: Integrative Functional Biology
Symposia Session
Scientific Symposia - Space, Advanced Materials & Biophysical Innovation
Symposia Session
Scientific Symposia - Thriving Against the Odds: Health, Leadership and Equity in the Biosciences
Symposia Session
Leadership Roundtable (Invite Only) - with Emmanuel Adukwu
Roundtable
Workshop - Grad School Bound: Navigating the Application to Acceptance in Changing Times.
Workshop
Workshop - Empowering Researchers: From Recommendations to Reality
Workshop
Workshop - Three Steps for Career Traction
Workshop
Roundtable - Bridging the Social Capital Gap in Life Sciences - Smart STEMs
Roundtable
Roundtable - The complexities of interpreting biological sex as binary
Roundtable
Workshop - Being Your Own Ambassador: Strategies for Creating and Shaping Your Career Identity
Workshop
Workshop - How to achieve your potential in academia
Workshop
Workshop - Networking With Intention: Building Confidence, Community & Career Pathways in the Life Sciences
Workshop
Workshop - Finding the Next Vice Chancellor: Advancing Leadership from Global Majority Communities
Workshop
Roundtable - From STEM to Start-Ups: Becoming an Entrepreneur
Roundtable
Opening Remarks - Dr Paul Sainsbury, COO, Applied Microbiology International
Plenary Session
Panel - Building the Room We Needed: A Conversation with the MLS Future Forum Steering Committee
Plenary Session