Reimagining the STEM Pipeline: How Can We Advance Equity and Success?
Plenary Session
This panel discussion will explore how to build a more equitable and accessible STEM pipeline, tackling the barriers that prevent diverse talent from progressing in research and industry. Moderated by Tomi Akingbade, Founder of Black Women in STEM, the discussion brings together experts from academia, industry, and professional networks to highlight solutions for advancing equity in science.
Panellists will share insights on broadening participation in doctoral programmes, addressing systemic challenges in career progression, and the responsibilities of institutions, learned societies, and industry in driving meaningful change. Expect a thought-provoking discussion on the practical steps needed to create an inclusive STEM ecosystem where everyone can thrive.
Speakers
Tomi Akingbade
Professor Udak Archibong MBE
Professor Robert Mokaya
Dr Shera Chok
Gisela Abbam Hon FBSA, FRSA
Merisha Stevenson
Tomi Akingbade
Tomi Akingbade is a PhD student at the University of Cambridge investigating inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Her passion for equality and representation in the science industry led her to create the Black Women in Science (BWiS) Network. BWiS Network is a global networking platform that works towards giving Black women the necessary platforms and opportunities to further their careers and interests in Science fields. Since its launch, BWiS Network has grown to be a safe space for Black women in Science; a global platform providing networking opportunities and career webinars; as well as a contributing voice in the movement towards equity in the Sciences.
Professor Udak Archibong MBE
Professor Uduak Archibong MBE is the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Bradford, where she also serves as Professor of Diversity and directs the Centre for Inclusion and Diversity. She earned her BSc with First Class Honours from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1990, and completed her PhD at the University of Hull in 1995. Recognised as a leading authority in diversity management, Professor Archibong has over 30 years of experience in the health and higher education sectors. Her extensive research focuses on developing cultural solutions and interventions to promote inclusion across public, private, and third-sector organisations.
Throughout her distinguished career, she has led significant initiatives, including a major European Commission-funded gender equality research project across seven European universities and contributions to the Horizon 2020 project, RRING, involving 20 international partners. Professor Archibong's contributions to higher education and equality were recognised with an MBE in the 2015 New Year Honours. She is a Fellow of both the Royal College of Nursing and the West African College of Nursing.
Her leadership continues to influence policies and practices, advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion within academia and beyond.
Professor Robert Mokaya
Professor Robert Mokaya OBE FRS is Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sheffield. Robert obtained a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from the University of Nairobi after which he spent a year working for Unilever in Kenya. He was awarded a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in 1992. In 1992 he was elected to a Research Fellowship at Trinity College, Cambridge and in 1996 was awarded an EPSRC Advanced Fellowship. He was appointed to a lectureship in Materials Chemistry at the University of Nottingham in 2000, was promoted to Reader in Materials Chemistry in 2005, and to Professor of Materials Chemistry in 2008. From 2016 to 2018 he was Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at the University of Nottingham and then the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global Engagement from 2019 to 2024. He is a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award holder (2017-2022). He was appointed OBE in 2022 for services to the Chemical Sciences and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 2023. He is President-Elect of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2024 – 2026) and will be President for the period 2026 to 2028.
Dr Shera Chok
Shera Chok is a GP and the Chair of the multi award-winning Shuri Network which she founded in 2019. She is passionate about increasing diversity, innovation and safety and empowering women from minority ethnic groups to lead and engage with digital transformation. She is a non-executive director with the London Ambulance Service and the national lead for research in community settings with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). She has extensive experience of working in acute, community and primary care settings, commissioning organisations and national leadership roles including Chief Medical Officer at NHS Digital. In 2023 she was awarded the Zenith Global Health Special Recognition Award for her contribution to patient care and equity, and has also won national awards including the HSJ Award for race equality in 2021 and DHSC AI Visionary in 2025. Shera has volunteered as a clinician in countries including Sudan, Laos, Indonesia and Greece with NGOs working in war and disaster zones and with displaced populations.
Gisela Abbam Hon FBSA, FRSA
Gisela Abbam Hon FBSA, FRSA, is a global leader in health, life sciences, and STEM, dedicated to driving change and improving access to healthcare worldwide. As Chair of the General Pharmaceutical Council, she plays a key role in shaping the future of pharmacy regulation in the UK. Previously, as Chair of the British Science Association, she championed equality, diversity, and inclusion in STEM. With executive roles at GE Healthcare and Abt Associates, Gisela has worked with governments, the WHO, the UN, and multilateral organisations to enhance global health outcomes. She is currently the Senior Director for Government Affairs at Revvity, a life sciences and diagnostics innovator, and serves on several advisory boards, including the Bar Standards Board. She is also a Commissioner for the National Preparedness Commission and a judge for the Everywoman Technology Awards.
Gisela’s contributions to leadership and social change have earned her multiple accolades, including Black British Business Person of the Year, the Woman Creating a Better World for All Award, and the Woman on Boards Award. She is an Honorary Fellow of the British Science Association and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts for her impact on social change.
Merisha Stevenson
We are delighted to have Merisha Stevenson guiding our conference. As a celebrated presenter from BBC Radio WM and an experienced broadcaster, Merisha has a profound knack for engaging audiences and steering conversations that touch on pivotal issues. Her extensive background in financial strategy and risk management, coupled with her passionate advocacy for empowering underrepresented voices, makes her the perfect host for our event.
Merisha is sure to leave a lasting impact on our conference, inspiring us all to embrace change and drive forward the cause of inclusivity in the scientific community, and ensure that every participant's voice is heard and valued.