2025 Programme Overview

The Future Forum 2025 offered three packed days of insight, connection and inspiration. From student-led research to sector-leading keynotes, every part of the programme was designed to reflect the diversity, talent and energy within the life sciences community.

The programme featured flash symposia, panel discussions, roundtables, workshops and keynote talks covering themes such as health equity, identity and visibility, scientific innovation, leadership, and career development. Delegates heard about research into sickle cell disease, breast cancer disparities, green technologies and vaccine access — alongside powerful discussions on resilience, representation and structural change.

There was no single track or right path through the event. Instead, delegates were encouraged to attend the sessions where they saw themselves represented, challenged or energised. As one delegate put it, “every moment was impactful”, from the poster presentations and mentoring sessions to the final reflections on broadening horizons in science.

Use this page to explore the structure of the programme, revisit what took place, and discover the ideas and conversations that made the Future Forum 2025 so powerful.

Monday 31 March
12pm – 1pm
Building Influence and Inspiring Action Workshop

Workshop

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

Special Session

2pm – 3pm
The Square Peg Who Doesn't Fit into Round Holes – A Story in Pictures of My Journey to Professorship

Workshop

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

Workshop

3.15pm – 4.15pm
Disability in STEM and What Makes Us So Great

Roundtable

Mentor & Mentee: Building Meaningful Connections in Academia

Mentorship Forum

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

Tuesday 1 April
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

10.15am – 11.15am
Health, Medicine & Disease Mechanisms

Symposia Session

Environment, Climate & Pollution

Symposia Session

Social, Cultural & Economic Factors in Health

Symposia Session

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

2.30pm – 3.30pm
Dismantling Awarding Gaps

Roundtable

Mentor & Mentee: Building Meaningful Connections in Academia

Mentorship Forum

The Black PhD Experience - Stories of Strength, Courage and Wisdom in UK academia

Workshop

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

Plenary Session

5.15pm – 6.15pm
Neuroscience & Mental Health

Symposia Session

Evolution, Biology & Scientific Discovery

Symposia Session

Biomedical Technologies & Drug Development

Symposia Session

Wednesday 2 April
9am – 9.05am
Opening Remarks: Charting the Path Towards Inclusive Research Cultures

Plenary Session

9.05am – 10am
Please Mind the Gap

Plenary Session

10.15am – 11.15am
Science, Society & Inclusivity

Symposia Session

Data Science, AI & Digital Health

Symposia Session

Student Flash Talks

Symposia Session

11.45am – 12.45pm
How to transform your innovative idea into a grant funding opportunity?

Workshop

Presenting Your Best Self & The Power of Networking

Workshop

Essentials to Making an Effective University Leadership Application

Workshop

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

Closed Session

1.45pm – 2.45pm
Stepping into Senior Leadership Positions – Why You Should and Why It Is Important

Panel Session

Diversity in the Face of Adversity: Achieving Career Success Through Equity

Workshop

Pathways to Success: Navigating Academic Life

Workshop

Enhancing Staff Data Collection and Analysis to Improve Race Inclusivity

Roundtable

3.15pm – 4.15pm
Broadening Horizons – My Future from Science

Plenary Session

4.15pm – 4.30pm
Shaping an Inclusive Future

Plenary Session

4.30pm – 5.15pm
Closing Remarks, Poster Prizes and Farewell

Plenary Session

If you would like a copy of the slides from any of the Plenary presentations, please contact us at [email protected]

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.

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