Workshop
Ali and Clive (Vanta STEM Founders & Directors) are long-term friends, colleagues, mentors, and business owners with over 20 years of combined experience in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Having navigated their careers as minoritised professionals, they have firsthand insight into the challenges of entering and excelling in these fields—and how to succeed at leadership levels.
This interactive session, delivered from the perspective of an early-career professional, offers practical advice on securing and thriving in industry roles. It will cover key insights into the application process, what to look for in job opportunities, essential (and avoidable) questions during interviews, and strategies for a smooth and successful onboarding experience. Participants will also explore ways to build internal networks that create opportunities and accelerate career progression.
Through personal reflections and practical guidance, this session will equip attendees with the tools to navigate non-diverse spaces, advocate for themselves, and drive equitable workplace practices. By addressing inherent bias and promoting long-term support structures, the discussion will empower both individuals and organisations to build inclusive and sustainable career pathways.
Ali Saad is a Consultant Chemist and Materials Scientist with over 10 years of experience in the oil and gas, polymer, and specialty chemicals industries. His expertise spans various aspects of chemical science operations, including analysis, manufacturing, process development, non-conformance investigations, non-routine analytical investigations, quality control testing, and regulatory affairs. In addition to his technical roles, Ali co-founded Vanta STEM, an organisation dedicated to achieving racial equity in STEM fields. Through Vanta STEM, he combines his industry expertise with a passion for equity, creating initiatives that provide mentorship, career development, and tangible opportunities for those historically excluded from the sector. His work focuses on equipping individuals with the skills, networks, and confidence to navigate and excel in STEM careers, ensuring that diverse talent is not only supported but empowered to thrive.
Clive is an accomplished leader in pharmaceutical R&D and commercial operations, with expertise in GMP science, process engineering, and programme management. He is the Race and Ethnicity Lead at the Royal Society of Chemistry, where he works to advance equity and inclusion within the chemical sciences. With extensive experience in research, development, and commercial strategy, he has played a key role in shaping policies and initiatives that promote greater representation and opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM. Clive co-founded Vanta STEM, an organisation dedicated to achieving racial equity in STEM by providing mentorship and career development support. He is also Head of Programme Excellence at Black Pharma, a social enterprise committed to increasing diversity within the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries through consulting, training, and internships.
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.
