Launch conference announced for Changing the Story for Black Biomedical Scientists
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The first Changing the Story for Black Biomedical Scientists Conference is taking place in Weston Hall on Wednesday 26 April, between 12-6pm.
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The event, which is being organised by Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of West London, Dr Bernadine Idowu, is designed as the launch pad for initiatives to inspire and support young Black students looking to pursue a career in Biomedical Science.
“Originally, this was only for students in the London area,” Bernadine says. “However, demand for places has been high and I have been contacted by students from as far away as Manchester who are eager to attend.”
The event agenda is being led by a committee of postgraduate students, and Bernadine sees it as an ideal opportunity to gather student opinions on what support is required and then plan how to implement it.
This is really about practical guidance and advice. I want young people to be able to speak to other young people - the postgraduate students will reach out to the undergraduates and secondary school students.”
UWL Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Woodman, who Bernadine credits with inspiring her to create the conference, will welcome delegates ahead of a packed programme.
“Professor Woodman was very much the catalyst,” Bernadine explains. “He suggested that in addition to my BME Early Career Researcher – ‘How to Stay in Academia Conference’, which supports and promotes Black academics looking to progress in universities, we should look at how to reach out to undergraduates.”
Bernadine will then share her own experience in a keynote speech on why representation matters. Also on the agenda is a panel discussion with inspiring Black figures including the founders of Black in Cancer and the Black Women in Science Network sharing their experiences, alongside Black PhD and Masters students. Bernadine adds:
We're being supported by the Medical Research Council, the Academy of Medical Science and Welcome Trust. It's a great opportunity for people to meet, network and also take a hand in their own destinies, professionally and personally.”
- For more information about the Changing the Story for Black Biomedical Students conference, visit the event page.
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