The University of West London (UWL) has celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Black Minority and Ethnic Early Career Researchers Conference, marking a decade of supporting researchers, promoting equality in academia and creating opportunities for the next generation of academic leaders.
Hosted jointly by UWL and King’s College London, this year’s milestone international event brought together researchers, academics and sector leaders to reflect on the conference’s impact over the past ten years while exploring the future of equity, inclusion and research careers.
The anniversary celebrations also saw the launch of the inaugural BME Early Career Researcher Legacy Awards, recognising individuals and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to supporting Black Minority and Ethnic Early Career Researchers and advancing equality across higher education.
A decade of impact
Founded by Professor Bernadine Idowu, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at UWL, the conference began in 2017 with the aim of supporting Black Minority and Ethnic Early Career Researchers to progress and thrive in academic careers. Since then, it has grown into a nationally recognised event, creating opportunities for networking, mentoring, collaboration and professional development for thousands of researchers.
This year’s conference, themed around Reflection, Recognition and Renewal, celebrated that legacy while looking ahead to the next decade. Delegates took part in keynote sessions, panel discussions and collaborative workshops designed to shape the future of support for Black Minority and Ethnic Early Career Researchers across the higher education sector.
The conference featured a keynote address from Professor Jason Arday, Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge, alongside presentations from researchers whose careers have been positively influenced by the conference and discussions on the future of diversity in academia.
The conference welcomed delegates from universities, research organisations and funding bodies across the UK, with support from organisations including Wellcome, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Medical Research Council, the British Academy and Perrett Laver.
Professor Bernadine Idowu said:
“When we held the first conference ten years ago, our ambition was simple – to create opportunities for Black Minority and Ethnic Early Career Researchers to build successful and fulfilling academic careers. Seeing how that vision has grown into a thriving community that has supported so many people is incredibly rewarding.
“This anniversary gave us the opportunity to celebrate those achievements, recognise the people and organisations driving positive change, and renew our commitment to building a more inclusive future for research and higher education.”
Recognising leadership and achievement
Among the highlights of the celebrations was the presentation of the inaugural Legacy Awards. UWL received an Allyship in Action Award in recognition of its long-standing commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion and its continued support for the conference. King’s College London also received an Allyship in Action Award, reflecting the enduring partnership between the two institutions.
Professor Jason Arday received the Legacy Leadership Award for his outstanding contribution to advancing equity in higher education, while Professor Marcia Wilson was presented with the Lifetime Contribution Award.
Legacy Award winners
The inaugural BME Early Career Researcher Legacy Awards recognised outstanding contributions across academia:
Lifetime Contribution Award – Professor Marcia Wilson – Birmingham City University
Allyship in Action Award (Individual) – Professor Anthony Woodman – University of Hertfordshire
Legacy Leadership Award – Professor Jason Arday – University of Cambridge
Allyship in Action Award (Institutional) – King’s College London
Allyship in Action Award (Institutional) – University of West London
Revolution Catalyst Award – Dr Donald Palmer – Royal Veterinary College
Rising Star Award – Dr Emma-Charlene Lubaale – University of Cambridge
Changemaker Award – Dr Kenisha Linton – University of Greenwich
Community Champion Award – Dr Olivia Joseph – University of Leeds
Unseen Champion Award – Amberlee Green – Regent College London/University of Arts
Mid-Career Excellence Award – Mary Makinde – Canterbury Christ Church University
Emerging ECR Award – Dr Ruth Gyereh – London South Bank University
