Forging Pathways: Network event for Black heritage scientists - Tue 3 Nov 2026

Overview

Each year, the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology aims to bring together a cohort of Black heritage scientists from across Cambridge and the wider biomedical research sector to network and share their science.

This group includes, but is not exclusively for, those who are on Fellowships such as the LMB Rising Talent Fellowship, LMS Emerging Innovator Fellowship, Royal Society Career Development Fellowship, Sanger Excellence Fellowship, CRUK Black Leaders in Cancer and more. Any Black heritage scientist is welcome to join this event.

This year the LMB has teamed up with Cancer Research UK to co-host an event for Black Heritage scientists. There is the opportunity to present a scientific flashtalk and to take part a poster session, as well as the chance to hear from a range of scientists and to develop grant writing skills.

Professional networks have been shown to play an important role in long-term research career development. This event aims to strengthen connections, increase visibility, and foster a sense of belonging and inclusion within this research community.

Event Programme (exact timings tbc)

Tuesday 3 November, 9.30am - 3.30pm

09:30 Arrive and refreshments, CRUK 

09:50 Welcome 

10:00 Scientific Flashtalks 

10:45 Break  

11:05 Scientific Flashtalks 

11:50 Travel from CRUK to LMB  

12:00 Lunch and Poster Session 

13:00 Grant writing, Robyn Plowright, Research Manager, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences 

13:30 Learning how to leverage your networks, Dr Tomi Akingbade, Founder of Black Women in Science 

14:00 Break

14:20 Fireside Chat followed by Q&A, hosted by Nic Farmer, MRC Race Equality Lead 

Professor Franklin Aigbhirio, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge 

Dr Tomi Akingbade, Founder of Black Women in Science 

Evelyn Kamau, Senior Director, Decentralised clinical trials, Thermo Fisher Scientific

15:30 Close  

 

Closes 2 Nov 2026

Opened 16 Sep 2026

Audiences

  • ECR forum
  • Lived Experience
  • Research Community

Interests

  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Fellows