Where are all the Black scientists? – The Voice Online

Written by: Joel Campbell
All roads lead to the inaugural Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum 2025, in Birmingham
“THE UNDEREPRESENTATION of minoritised scientists in senior roles is a major concern for the future of UK science,” says Professor Emmanuel Adukwu.
Addressing these concerns and more next month sees a unique group of life science professionals and advocates come together to launch the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum. 
It’s the first major conference in Europe dedicated to supporting and showcasing the contributions of marginalised communities in the life sciences. 
Taking place at the ICC Birmingham, the Future Forum will offer over 200 hours of inspiring talks, workshops, and mentoring sessions. 
The event is designed for life scientists at all career stages from undergraduate students to early-career researchers and senior academics, aiming to build a vibrant and supportive environment for professional development and networking. 
The forum comes at a critical time for the sector. Despite increasing diversity among students entering higher education, Black scientists still make up just 0.8 per cent of all professors in the UK, according to the latest figures. 
Only 2.9 per cent of Black academics are in research-focused roles, with many citing unconscious bias (54 per cent) and unclear promotion pathways (52 per cent) as major barriers to career progression. 
In addition, 42 per cent of Black early-career academics (ECAs) report not feeling comfortable reporting incidents of bullying or harassment at their Institutions. 
Beyond the statistics, minoritised scientists frequently report feeling invisible within academia, often missing out on opportunities for collaboration and career progression due to microaggressions and lack of mentoring.
For undergraduate students, the lack of visible role models and a clear pathway into academia can make the goal of a research career seem unattainable. 
The Future Forum aims to address these systemic barriers by providing a platform for visibility, mentorship, and professional growth, helping to bridge the gap between students and established academics. 
Adukwu, a Professor of Applied Microbiology at the University of the West of England, Bristol and Chair of the Future Forum Steering Committee, expressed his excitement for the event: “The underrepresentation of minoritised scientists in senior roles is a major concern for the future of UK science.”
He added: “While efforts have been made to tackle these inequalities, we must create spaces that build genuine connections, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration across all career stages. 
“This forum is not just about sharing research; it’s about creating a lasting impact that helps marginalised and underrepresented scientists thrive in academia and beyond.”
The three-day event will feature talks, networking sessions, and workshops led by scientists from a range of disciplines. 
Delegates will have the opportunity to showcase their research, engage in structured networking, take part in career development workshops, and find mentorship from experienced professionals. 
Additionally, the forum will serve as a space for open discussions on challenges such as unconscious bias, lack of institutional support, and career progression barriers.
To find out more and sign up for updates, visit the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum website: www.mlsfutureforum.com.
Listen to Sama Trinder’s journey with the only Black owned Boutique Hotel in the UK
There are two things. First, form a black scientists’ association so that isolated scientists can meet and talk to each other and share experiences. Second, spend a couple hours a week teaching young school pupils about the advantages of a STEM education. They must be taught that the future is not just singing and dancing and fashion. This can only be done by returning to Saturday schools, an innovation by parents in Haringey, North London, in the 1970s when the school system was even more anti-black than it is now. We survived that hostility.
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The Voice Newspaper is committed to celebrating black excellence, campaigning for positive change and informing the black community on important issues. Your financial contributions are essential to protect the future of the publication as we strive to help raise the profile of the black communities across the UK. Any size donation is welcome and we thank you for your continued support.
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