Speakers
Mentorship Forum
The Mentorship Cafe offers a welcoming, conversational space within the MLS Future Forum programme where mentors and mentees can meet, connect, and build supportive relationships. Held in scheduled sessions, the Cafe creates dedicated time for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue, share experiences, ask questions, and exchange guidance across career stages. Whether you’re seeking insight for your next steps, hoping to offer your expertise to others, or looking to grow your professional network, the Mentorship Café provides an inviting environment to spark connections that can extend well beyond the Forum. Join us to cultivate relationships that strengthen and sustain the MLS community.
Nicholas Farmer serves as the Race Equality Lead at the Medical Research Council (MRC), where he plays a pivotal role in advancing race equity across the biomedical research sector. With a focus on addressing the underrepresentation of researchers from marginalised backgrounds, Nicholas is instrumental in driving systemic change within the MRC and the wider UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) community.
Nicholas is deeply committed to creating a more inclusive environment in science, working on initiatives that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at all levels. He has been a key figure in developing the 'Black in Biomedical Research' project, which aims to create new opportunities and support systems for Black researchers in the field. His work includes coordinating new fellowship programmes, funding school outreach opportunities for pre-university students, and building partnerships across the research and innovation sector to foster a collaborative approach to race equality.
With a background that combines extensive experience in project management and a deep understanding of D&I challenges, Nicholas is dedicated to ensuring that race equality actions are informed by robust data and meaningful stakeholder engagement. His efforts are not just about policy but about creating tangible, lasting changes that will benefit future generations of scientists.