Europe’s only conference for minoritised life scientists is heading to Scotland for spring 2026. The Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum (MLSFF) will be held at Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) from March 23 to 26.

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Now in its second year, MLSFF is the only major conference in Europe dedicated to supporting and showcasing the contributions of marginalised and underrepresented communities in the life sciences. AMI is a key facilitator of the conference.

READ MORE: Almost 500 delegates gather in Birmingham for Europe’s first Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum

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The Edinburgh conference will offer more than 200 hours of inspiring talks, workshops, and mentoring sessions and 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.

Almost 500 delegates gathered in Birmingham in spring 2025 for the inaugural conference, which was hosted by BBC broadcaster Merisha Stevenson and drew more than 125 participating institutions, more than 50 exhibitors, 538 delegates and more than 170 abstract submissions from 12 countries across four continents. 

Reshaping life sciences

Underlining the importance of MLSFF, Professor Emmanuel Adukwu, Chair of the MLSFF Steering Committee, said it brings together a truly diverse community of people and unites early career individuals with thought leaders, practitioners and innovators in a space where knowledge is not only shared but amplified - a place where everyone is valued and recognised. 

“This is a space where dialogue becomes action, and collaboration leads to real, lasting change. Since the inaugural event, we have seen people secure new roles, launch joint projects, and step into leadership positions. These are the kinds of outcomes that are reshaping the future of life sciences and STEM,” he said.

“We are building on that energy for 2026 and look forward to welcoming back returning delegates alongside new voices. Our aim is for everyone who joins us to leave with renewed confidence, fresh connections, and a clearer sense of their place in the sector.”

Critical time

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% of all professors in the UK, according to the latest figures*. 

Black academics make up just 2.9% of academics in research-focused roles, with many citing unconscious bias (54%) and unclear promotion pathways (52%) as major barriers to career progression. In addition, 42% of Black early-career academics (ECAs) report not feeling comfortable reporting incidents of bullying or harassment at their institutions.

“These figures underline why spaces like MLSFF are so urgently needed. They play a vital role in retaining and uplifting the very scientists being lost from the academic pipeline,” Professor Adukwu said.

Three-day event

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.

New in 2026 will be an Ambassador’s Scheme, which will recruit ambassadors who will become a voice for MLSFF within their networks.

After attending MLSFF25, postdoctoral researcher Dr Nina Higson-Sweeney commented: “For the first time in 28 years, I shared a room with Black professors. I left with courage, determination and hope. One day, I’m going to be a professor too.”

Dr Priscilla Akosile described the conference as: “Nothing short of inspiring… every session reaffirmed the value of mentorship, sponsorship and authenticity.”

Dr Immaculata Chikamso Ede, a postdoctoral researcher who won a poster prize at the conference, said: “It opened doors I hadn’t imagined were possible and showed me what a sense of belonging really feels like.”

Next steps

The Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum Steering Committee is currently seeking sponsors, exhibitors, and life scientists interested in delivering talks, leading workshops, or mentoring attendees.

To find out more and sign up for updates, visit the Future Forum website at www.mlsfutureforum.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram (www.instagram.com/mlsfutureforum)  and X (@MLSFutureForum) for the latest announcements.

For more information about MLSFF26 or to arrange interviews with members of the steering committee, contact press@mlsfutureforum.com.

*Figures from ‘Unblocking the Pipeline: Supporting the Retention, Progression and Promotion of Black Early-Career Academics’, HEPI Report 176, Dr Becca Franssen, GatenbySanderson

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