Students Advisors Abimbola Falana (Abi), Opeyemi Ajelara (Yemi) and Motunrayo Joshua Okeowo (Joshua) share their experiences of attending this year’s ‘3rd Black in Biomedical Science’ Undergraduate conference was held at London South Bank University on Wednesday 19th March 2025. This annual conference aims to bring discussions on race into academia, raise awareness and identify necessary programmes to support Black students in biomedical science. Beyond recognising the contributions of past pioneers in the field, the event fosters an environment of excellence, with the goal of inspiring and empowering the next generation of aspiring biomedical scientists.
Drawing from Knowledge
Professor Bernadine Idowu-Onibokun is an incredible Black woman that is the founder of the conference and, she is one of the seven Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professors in the UK. She has taught us that “There is no need to reinvent the wheel when we have so much knowledge to draw from!”
We listened to 6 amazing panellists who all started their journey with a Biomedical Science degree, each presented alternative ways they used their degrees. The panel consisted of Emmanuel Kolawole, Jennifer Dominic, Laura Eghobamien, Vivien Kintu, Dr Abigail Otchere and Dr Shpresa Haiti.
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Vivien Kintu
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Bachelor of Law (LLB), University of Greenwich → Gained experience in Government Committees → Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) experience within a professional network → Chaired multiple committees, including Action for Children → Currently works as a consultant at the Academy of Medical Sciences.
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Dr Abigail Otchere
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BSc Biomedical Science, Roehampton University → MSc Neuroscience, King’s College London → PhD, Biomedical Science, Aston University → Gained experience as a data entry associate and clinical trial administrator → Co-founded SISTEM UK → Currently works as an Associate Medical Communications Manager.
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Laura Eghobamien
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BSc Physiology and Pharmacology, University of West England → MSc Applied Immunology, University of West England → Lead Scientific Researcher → Non-Executive Advisory Board Member at CATS Cambridge → Scientific Advisory Board Member role, Technology Networks → Founded the Black Medical Scientific Network → Currently works as a freelance Scientific Consultant.
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Here are some tips based on the insights shared at the conference from the guest speakers:
Advice for Uncertain Paths
- Reach out to professors and faculty and ask them if you can shadow them. – Professor Avery August
- Seek mentorship and build your network. – Dr. Ruth Gyereh
Mindset Shifts for Black Scientists
- Affirm your identity and place in science: 'I am here, I belong here, and I am a scientist.'– Professor Avery August
- Own your space confidently: 'Your ideas and research will change lives!' – Dr. Ruth Gyereh
Experiences of Bias
- Be aware that you may face racial bias, as some faculty members might not want to work with someone Black. – Professor Avery August
- Understand that unfair treatment can occur, such as being interrogated about your work instead of discussing it. – Dr. Ruth Gyereh
Here are some of our personal tips:
Redefining Failure
- Failure isn’t failure, you’re just discovering what not to do or what doesn’t work. – Joshua
Identifying Your Path
- If you have the privilege to identify who you are and what you want to be then identify, what you must do to get there! – Yemi
Embracing Discomfort for Growth
- You can only grow when you are uncomfortable. To improve, I implore you to seek opportunities that make you feel uncomfortable. Challenge yourself daily. – Abi
So, what are the next steps for our university?
Here are a few suggestions for the university:
- Mentorship Programmes: Integrate mentorship opportunities into the Biomedical Science curriculum, with a focus on supporting ethnic minority (global majority) students and promoting equal opportunities for all. Actively advertise existing mentorship programmes and develop new initiatives to enhance student support and career development.
- Careers Fair Representation: Continue to nurture a dedicated stall at careers fairs aimed at supporting ethnic minority (global majority) students. This stall should highlight various Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives and external opportunities, helping students connect with wider networks and resources beyond the university. This will foster a sense of community and provide clearer career pathways. The BMS Team initiated the Black Excellence in BMS stall last year at a networking event ran by Love Onwuzuruike, PhD student at University of Bristol and Ife Adejuyigbe. Other role models have been featured through Legacy St George’s Annual Careers Lecture, such as Yasmin Kinobe, a Senior Clinical Trials Manager.
- Industry Collaboration & Work Experience: Continue to partner with research companies and introduce new work experience opportunities here at City St George’s such as the Professional Training Year. The Professional Training Year (PTY) is an initiative that has grown over the last few years. Students elect to take a year in industry, lab, professional setting or go abroad. Since its launch, 75 students have opted to undertake a PTY, with 85% from global majority backgrounds. Providing hands-on exposure to the field will inspire and equip the next generation of Black Biomedical Scientists, offering them valuable insights and practical experience to support their career aspirations.
- Encouraging Further Education and Academic Careers: Professors and postgraduates could play a crucial role in fostering diversity by mentoring future scholars. Their guidance can help shape research that addresses issues affecting ethnic minorities (global majority) while contributing unique perspectives. By actively supporting and inspiring the next generation, they can create a more inclusive and representative academic environment. The Equal Representation in Academia (ERA) initiative at St George's, University of London, led by alumnus Dr Mohani Preet-Dhillon aims to raise awareness of academic research careers for students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing mentorship, networking and hands-on research opportunities to foster a more inclusive academic environment.
About the Writers
Abimbola Falana (Abi) is a final year Biomedical Science student specialising in Anatomy
During my time at St George’s, the hours spent in the anatomy dissection instilled scientific intrigue in me. Along this journey, I was drawn to the interactive environments the most, sparking my desire to study medicine in the future. Before beginning my postgraduate journey, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare role and explore the many opportunities available to me. I implore black students who come after me to seek experiences as “He who does not move forward, moves backward”.
Opeyemi Ajelara (Yemi) is a final year Biomedical Science student specialising in Immunity and Infection
As a final-year student, I now have a clear vision of my future. I began this degree with the sole intention of studying medicine, but along the way, I developed a deep appreciation for the weight that research holds and its crucial role behind the scenes. This has inspired me to pursue further education that combines my passion for both fields. The versatility of a Biomedical Science degree is what makes it so unique. I encourage every Person of Colour (POC) to explore, be inquisitive and delve deeper into what it truly means to be a Biomedical Scientist.
Motunrayo Joshua Okeowo (Joshua) is a second year Biomedical Science student
I am a second-year student who originally started this course due a genuine love for biology and a hope to study medicine after this course ends. But I am excited as Biomedical Science really does provide countless possibilities on what I can do once I finish the course such as research. One method I am using to try find out if there are other future options for me is this is trying a Professional Training Year (PTY) Placement. Regardless, I aim to be the best in whatever I choose and be an inspiration to those who come after me and be a perfect representation of the Black community as I do so.