Programme

For those arriving earlier on Monday, the first part of the day offers opportunities to settle in, connect with fellow attendees, and take part in activities designed to welcome and engage early arrivals. Whether you're here to engage in informal discussions, network, or simply get oriented before the main programme begins, these sessions provide a valuable chance to ease into the conference.

From 16:30, we will officially kick off the MLS Future Forum with our welcome event. You will hear from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, followed by opening remarks from Professor Emmanuel Adukwu, Chair of the MLSFF Steering Committee. From this point forward, please attend sessions where you see yourself represented—where they align with your interests, experiences, or curiosities. You will hear from leaders in the field, and take part in meaningful discussions that challenge, inspire, and drive change. Whether through thought-provoking keynotes, interactive workshops, or networking with peers and mentors, the Future Forum has been designed to equip you with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to shape the future of the life sciences. We can’t wait to meet you! 

Monday 31 March
9am – 4pm
Arrival, Exhibition & Poster Set Up

Registration

12pm – 1pm
Building Influence and Inspiring Action Workshop

Pre-Conference Activities

12pm – 4pm
James Lind Alliance – MRC BBRAG Priority Setting Partnership

Closed Session

1pm – 2pm
Networking Lunch

Pre-Conference Activities

2pm – 3pm
The Round Peg Who Never Fitted into Square Holes – My Holistic but Unconventional Journey into Professorship

Pre-Conference Activities

Beyond Words: Driving Real Change with an Anti-Racism Strategy

Pre-Conference Activities

3.15pm – 4.15pm
The Black PhD Experience - Stories of Strength, Courage and Wisdom in UK academia

Pre-Conference Activities

Mentor & Mentee: Building Meaningful Connections in Academia

Pre-Conference Activities

4.30pm – 4.50pm
WELCOME TO BIRMINGHAM AND THE MINORITISED LIFE SCIENTISTS FUTURE FORUM

Plenary Session

4.50pm – 5.50pm
Learning from ABRCMS – Past, Present, Future: A Keynote Conversation

Plenary Session

5.45pm – 8pm
Networking Reception

Event Essentials

Tuesday 1 April
8am – 4pm
Registration, Exhibition & Poster Set Up

Registration

9am – 9.15am
Opening Remarks: Shaping an Inclusive Future

Plenary Session

9.15am – 10am
Tackling Health Inequalities: Emerging Lessons and Implications for EDI Policy and Practice

Plenary Session

10am – 10.15am
Break & Transition

Event Essentials

10.15am – 11.15am
Health, Medicine & Disease Mechanisms

Symposia Session

Environment, Climate & Pollution

Symposia Session

Social, Cultural & Economic Factors in Health

Symposia Session

11.15am – 1.15pm
Networking, Lunch, Exhibition & Posters

Event Essentials

1.15pm – 2.15pm
How to Identify Anti-Racist Staff and Leverage Their Power – A Guide for Black Academics and Students

Workshop

Crafting Your Own Career Path in Science and Academia

Workshop

MRC Funding Opportunities

Workshop

2.15pm – 2.30pm
Break & Transition

Event Essentials

2.30pm – 3.30pm
Dismantling Awarding Gaps

Roundtable

Mentor & Mentee: Building Meaningful Connections in Academia

Mentorship Forum

Disability in STEM and What Makes Us So Great

Roundtable

3.30pm – 4pm
Break & Transition

Event Essentials

4pm – 5pm
Reimagining the STEM Pipeline: How Can We Advance Equity and Success?

Plenary Session

5pm – 5.15pm
Break & Transition

Event Essentials

5.15pm – 6.15pm
Neuroscience & Mental Health

Symposia Session

Evolution, Biology & Scientific Discovery

Symposia Session

Biomedical Technologies & Drug Development

Symposia Session

6.15pm – 7pm
Break & Transition

Event Essentials

7pm – 10pm
Conference Dinner

Event Essentials

Wednesday 2 April
8am – 11am
Registration, Exhibition & Poster Set Up

Registration

9am – 10am
Please Mind the Gap

Plenary Session

10am – 10.15am
Break & Transition

Event Essentials

10.15am – 11.15am
Science, Society & Inclusivity

Symposia Session

Data Science, AI & Digital Health

Symposia Session

Student Flash Talks

Symposia Session

11.15am – 11.30am
Break & Transition

Event Essentials

11.30am – 12.30pm
Diversity in the Face of Adversity: Achieving Career Success Through Equity

Workshop

Presenting Your Best Self & The Power of Networking

Workshop

Invitation-Only Roundtable: Working Together to Address Pressing Challenges of Diversity in STEM

Closed Session

12.30pm – 1.30pm
Networking, Lunch, Exhibition & Posters

Event Essentials

1.30pm – 2.30pm
Stepping into Senior Leadership Positions – Why You Should and Why It Is Important

Panel Session

Pathways to Success: Navigating Academic Life

Workshop

2.30pm – 3pm
Break & Transition

Event Essentials

3pm – 4pm
Broadening Horizons – My Future from Science

Plenary Session

4pm – 5pm
Poster Prizes, Closing Remarks and Networking

Event Essentials


The Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum is CPD accredited, ensuring that your participation contributes to your professional development. For every hour of educational activity attended, you will earn CPD points, formally recognising your commitment to continuous learning and career progression.

After the event, delegates will receive a certificate detailing the CPD points earned. Whether you are attending keynotes, workshops, or panel discussions, your engagement here is an investment in your future. We’re excited to support your growth, both professionally and as part of this vibrant community.

MLSFF CPD