Forging Pathways: Network event for Black heritage scientists

Are you a Black heritage researcher looking to broaden your professional network, share ideas, and connect with peers across the research community?

Date/time:

Tuesday 3 November 2026 9:30am to 3:30pm

Location:

CRUK Cambridge Institute Lecture theatre and the MRC LMB

Sign up

About

The MRC LMB and Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute are delighted to be hosting a dedicated training and networking event for Black heritage (BH) early career researchers from across Cambridge and the wider biomedical research sector. This event has been shaped by feedback from previous attendees who told us they would value more opportunities to meet, collaborate, and learn from one another.

Bringing together researchers at different stages of their careers, the event aims to support professional development, encourage cross-institutional collaboration, and create a welcoming space to build lasting connections and a stronger sense of 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  

We look forward to bringing together another vibrant cohort of talented researchers for a day of learning, collaboration, and connection