Speakers
Rabia Ahmed
Ade Adeyemi MBE
Sharon Germaine-Cox
Dr Graeme Fancourt
Panel Session
Explore the why, when, and how of stepping into senior leadership roles as experts from recruitment, higher education, and industry, will highlight the importance of diverse leadership in STEM and the need for individuals from minoritised backgrounds to take up leadership positions. Panellists will share their personal experiences, discuss key challenges, and offer practical advice on developing leadership skills, navigating career progression, and overcoming systemic barriers. Attendees will gain valuable insights into what it takes to step into leadership, how to build confidence in decision-making, and why diverse leadership is essential for driving meaningful change in STEM.
Whether you are an early-career researcher, an academic, or considering leadership for the first time, this session will provide inspiration, strategies, and actionable steps to help you take the next step in your career.
Rabia Ahmed is a pharmacist and academic, currently serving as the Academic Lead for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Aston University. She brings extensive experience in pharmacy practice and higher education leadership, with a particular focus on fostering inclusive and supportive environments within academic and healthcare sectors.
Rabia is presently completing a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.), with her research interests encompassing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), public health, and educational pedagogy. Her professional endeavours are dedicated to the advancement of healthcare education and the integration of inclusion across learning and professional settings.
Ade Adeyemi is a global health policy expert with over 15 years of experience in healthcare strategy and policy. Currently, he serves as Deputy Head of the Bilateral Engagement team within the Global Health Group at the UK Department of Health and Social Care. His career includes roles in the Mayor of London’s office, UK Parliament, and various positions within the NHS. Ade also served as a Director at Chatham House, supporting African Ministry of Health stakeholders in leadership and policy development. He is the Managing Director of globalhealthjobs.com, the world's largest global health jobs platform. Ade is pursuing a PhD in Global Health and Social Medicine at King’s College London, holds an MBA from HULT International Business School, an MSc from King’s College London, and an MPharm from the University of Portsmouth.
Sharon Germaine-Cox is the Assistant Vice Chancellor at the University of Bolton, where she leads transformative organisational change. She spearheaded the National Aspiring Vice Chancellor Development Programme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling the underrepresentation of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups in Vice Chancellor roles. Alongside her university leadership, she is the Managing Director of two University of Bolton subsidiaries and a Director at UoB Security Services Ltd.
With extensive experience in Human Resources, Organisational Development, and Quality Management across higher education, the NHS, and further education, Sharon is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and a Chartered Member of the CQI. Her commitment to inclusion, equality, and mental health is central to her work, underpinned by a strong belief in the power of education, training, and the arts to transform lives. She also serves as a trustee of the Octagon Theatre Bolton, further demonstrating her dedication to improving life experiences for all.
Dr Graeme Fancourt is a Director at Green Park, specialising in the Civil Society and Government sectors. With 25 years of experience, he has held leadership roles in local, national, and international charities and faith-based organisations. Graeme is also an executive coach and organisational consultant, working with clients such as Lloyds Bank Foundation and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. He earned his doctorate from Durham University, focusing on the impacts of social change on identity and belonging, and holds an Executive Coaching qualification from Henley Business School.
Dr Amara Anyogu is a microbiologist with a passion for food safety, antimicrobial resistance, and the role of beneficial microbes in sustainable food systems. She completed her PhD in Food Microbiology at London Metropolitan University, where her research focuses on microbial interactions in food environments and their impact on food security and public health. Beyond research, Amara is deeply committed to widening access in education, creating inclusive learning environments that support students from diverse backgrounds. She specialises in first-year teaching and helping students navigate the transition into higher education, ensuring they have the tools to succeed in both academia and their future careers. A Fellow of Advance HE, she actively contributes to educational development and student success.
As Chair of the Programme Committee for the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum, Amara plays a key role in shaping the Future Forum’s academic and professional content, ensuring it highlights the excellence and diverse contributions of life scientists from all backgrounds.