Leeds hosts Black in Plant Science Conference
Last month the University of Leeds welcomed researchers and students from across the UK and internationally for the second annual Black in Plant Science (BiPS) Conference.
Building on the success of the first event, held in Cambridge in 2024, the conference brought together speakers from diverse disciplines to address the representation of Black researchers in plant science and to foster connections within the community.
Background to the network
The Black in Plant Science network was founded in 2023 by Dr Nicola Patron (University of Cambridge), Professor Steven Spoel (University of Edinburgh) and Professor Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso (University of Leeds and Chair of the BiPS committee).
The network was established in response to limited representation of Black researchers in senior positions within plant science. The BiPS network aims to connect, celebrate, and support existing and aspiring UK-based Black researchers working with plants, promoting inclusive environments where everyone can participate equally.
Conference highlights
Delegates at the Black in Plant Science Conference, University of Leeds. Photo: Mark Bickerdike.
The event opened with a plenary talk from Dr Nicola Patron, who shared her personal journey in plant science and the experiences that led to the creation of BiPS, alongside her research contributions to the field.
I for one found what Nicola shared about how she overcame people’s perceptions of her very comforting.
- Event attendee
This year's Research Excellence Award recipients, Charlene Dambire and Crispus Mbaluto, presented their research at the conference. The awards were presented by Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, who welcomed delegates and highlighted the University's commitment to promoting diversity and positive research culture.
I loved seeing the awardees talk about their journey and their interesting research that they finally got recognition for.
- Event attendee
The BiPS Summer Studentship Awardees, Noir Tucker and Hamda Hassan, also delivered presentations on their work.
A panel discussion on Black botanists and the history of plant science explored the intersection of art and science, the importance of preserving Black heritage, and the need to highlight contributions of Black individuals in plant science both historically and in contemporary contexts.
Workshop panel at the Black in Plant Science Conference: (left to right) Professor Lisa-Dionne Morris, Dr Bharat Pokhrel, Brian Chimzinga and Dr John Baison. Photo: Mark Bickerdike.
For the first time, the conference also welcomed students from Roundhay Academy through a partnership with the University's educational engagement team.
The conference concluded with a keynote from Assistant Professor Kevin Cox of Washington University in St. Louis, who shared his research and his role as co-director of Front & Centre, a US-based organisation with a mission aligned to that of BiPS.
This was a celebration of multiculturality and hidden talent across UK. The conference brought together black researchers within and outside academia, as well as undergraduate students in related disciplines and many multi-ethnic allies.
- Professor Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso
Further information
The BiPS committee is now planning next year’s network activities. Look out for updates on the Black in Plant Science website or by following BiPS on BlueSky, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Top image: Delegates at this year’s Black in Plant Science conference at HELIX, University of Leeds. Photo: Mark Bickerdike.
