Workshop
Inequities in research funding continue to influence who benefits from scientific discoveries and whose health needs remain insufficiently researched. These disparities disproportionately impact conditions prevalent in minoritised communities, hindering progress, innovation, and long-term effects. This session brings together leading funders, researchers, and community voices for a constructive, solutions-focused discussion on how to reshape investment models so that research funding better reflects real-world needs. The session will begin with a concise, evidence-based overview highlighting systemic patterns that contribute to unequal funding distribution, using recent analyses as a lens to frame the issue. Building on this foundation, representatives from major funding bodies will join a live dialogue exploring practical, actionable steps—from targeted calls and protected awards to more inclusive funding criteria and community-centred approaches. Designed as an interactive and future-oriented discussion, the session invites delegates to participate directly through an extended Q&A, ensuring insights from across the life sciences ecosystem help shape the development of fairer funding structures. Together, we will explore how research investment can be redesigned with intentionality, transparency, and equity at its heart—so that the future of health research delivers meaningful benefits for all communities.
Dr. Diego Baptista is the Head of Equitable Funding in the Equity Department. He supports a team to help Wellcome become a more inclusive and supportive funder. Previously, he worked on Wellcome’s #ReimagineResearch campaign and led on how to build incentives to fund and support positive research cultures. His first role at Wellcome was in the Open Research team.
Prior to joining Wellcome Diego worked on basic research in molecular biophysics. His work helped accelerate the discovery of membrane protein structures and participated in many activities to increase the diversity of who pursues post graduate study.
Faith Uwadiae is an Ecosystems Manager in Wellcome’s Equity Department. Her work focuses on reshaping research systems so we can diversify who leads, participates in and benefits from research. Before joining Wellcome, Faith spent 10 years in academic research, which included completing a PhD in Immunology at Imperial College London and working as a post-doctoral researcher at the Francis Crick Institute. It is this time in academia, the people she met and their stories and experiences that fuel her passion to revolutionise and change the system for the better. Outside of work, Faith is the Queen of taking on new hobbies; currently, this includes cycling and allotment gardening, but in the past, she was obsessed with crocheting and homebrewing beer. Who knows what's next?
Dr Rasiqh Wadud is a Wellcome Trust Accelerator Fellow and Principal Investigator at the University of Cambridge, based in the Department of Veterinary Medicine and working at the interface of haematology and mechanobiology. His research focuses on the role of the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1 in red blood cells, with particular emphasis on its contribution to phosphatidylserine exposure, cellular dehydration, and vascular complications in sickle cell disease.
Dr Rasiqh completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge and holds an MSc in Pharmacology from the University of Oxford. Outside of academia, he enjoys football and is a passionate supporter of Arsenal F.C.
