City of Edinburgh Lord Provost welcomes hundreds of scientists to MLSFF26

The Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum (MLSFF) will be held at Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) from March 23 to 25.

Now in its second year and run by a steering committee of minoritised scientists, MLSFF is the only major conference in Europe dedicated to supporting and showcasing the contributions of marginalised and underrepresented communities in the life sciences and has drawn hundreds of scientists to Edinburgh. 

With the city’s remarkable history of scientific invention and discovery, it’s the ideal location for young scientists to share their own breakthroughs.

Welcoming the event, City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, who will be launching the conference, said: “I am delighted that the second Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum 2026 is to be held in Edinburgh.

“This forum represents a distinguished platform for scientific excellence, informed by lived experience and grounded in the principle of opportunity. It provides an important space for amplifying talent that has not always benefited from equal access to recognition or advancement, and for enabling merit and brilliance to flourish. I firmly believe that diversity strengthens science, drives innovation, and enhances public trust.

“As we come together for what promises to be several days of thoughtful discussion and inspiration, I am particularly pleased that it is taking place in a capital city renowned for its intellectual heritage, global outlook, and enduring commitment to progress.” 

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.

Edidiong Akpan, Programme Associate, SmartSTEMS, said: “I think it's important for young people of school age and also people early in their career to see people they relate to succeeding and forging a path in the life science sector. 

“Whether that's relating to their background and culture, upbringing or social circumstances inspiration can take many forms, and the MLS Future Forum is a great platform for championing scientists from underrepresented backgrounds. 

“Having an event like this in Scotland is amazing because we have so much talent up here, to be able to have such a large platform with global visitors close to home is a great opportunity.

Professor Margaret (Mags) Watson, Professor of Health Services Research and Pharmacy Practice, University of Strathclyde; Founder/Director of Watson Research and Training Ltd and author of Women in Academia: Achieving our Potential, said: “The Minoritised Life Scientists’ Future Forum (MLSFF) is a fantastic opportunity for support and enablement of current and future life scientists from marginalised communities. 

“Life Sciences are a fundamental part of all our lives and diversity in this workforce facilitates much-needed innovation and creativity. This Forum provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to develop their professional and personal networks, to learn how to operate effectively and achieve their potential. This event will educate, enable and inspire.”

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."