We understand that many black professionals working in the medical and scientific sector face numerous challenges through their career journey and need to be better supported. Whether you are employed or self employed we want to help you achieve your best through a strong peer network that will support your career or business and give you the opportunity t celebrate your success.
Our Vision
By bringing together black professionals in the medical and scientific sector across the globe to gather grow, and evolve to be the best they can and celebrate their significant contributions in this sector.
Founder
Laura Eghobamien
Laura Eghobamien is a Nigerian born British citizen with over 20 years experience as a scientist working mainly in early stage drug discovery with increased leadership roles. She has worked for number of notable biotech and pharmaceutical companies including
Medimmune/AstraZeneca, Crescendo Biologics, Mestag Therapeutics and Amphista Therapeutics. She is a pioneer and strong advocate for Diversity and Inclusion and created the network due to the lack of representation of black scientist both as individual contributor and in the workplace.
She wants to ensure that scientist from minoritized backgrounds have a platform to be seen and heard. She has worked in several schools as a ‘STEM’ role model and understand the importance of visibility for young aspiring scientist and regularly encourages pupils to take up careers in science and tries to breakdown the stigma of the typical scientist being ‘male white and super intelligent’ – You can hear more about these efforts on the video links featured in the special featured section.
She is a Non-Executive Advisory Board member of CATS global school and a Scientific Advisory Board member of Technology Networks. She is also keen in promoting good physical and mental well being as these have been good coping mechanism especially when working in sometimes isolated environments. She has ran 5 (4 halves and 1 full) marathons to date and counting and holds a BSc hons in Physiology and Pharmacology and MSc in Applied Immunology both from the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Meet our team
Our comprehensive suite of professionals caters to a diverse team
Dr Pamela Banana
I am a graduate from Warwick University and hold a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry and completed a PhD in Chemistry also from the University of Warwick. Following my academic achievements, I secured a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. During this time, I conducted research on the mechanism of S. aureus m1A22-tRNA methyltransferase, which is a promising target for antibiotic discovery against MRSA infections.
Currently, I am employed as a Senior Scientist at Crescendo Biologics Ltd, located in Cambridge. Within the Discovery Team, my role primarily revolves around protein production. This team consists of experts in molecular biology, protein production, as well as collaborative efforts with the Translational, Analytical, and Assay teams.
Crescendo Biologics is dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics in immuno-oncology, with a particular focus on enhancing T cell function.
Nana Jane
As a Postdoctoral research fellow and registered Biomedical Scientist, I work on human development research projects, and perform immuno-oncology multiplex staining on human tissue samples. I’m passionate about public engagement, and excited to organise diverse, inclusive events as the academic engagement lead with the network.
I have been captivated by the complexity of the human body since studying an undergraduate honours degree in Biomedical Sciences at Durham University. Interested in pursuing research, I completed a Masters of Research at St Georges University of London and undertook a PhD in Bladder Cancer related pathology at Newcastle University, funded by the National Institute for Health Research.
Currently, I work at The Wellcome Sanger Institute, a world leading genomics research centre. Various research groups use genome sequences to advance understanding of the biology of humans, pathogens and life on earth to improve human health. As part of the High Throughput Spatial Genomics Team, I apply spatial genomic technologies to analyse the transcriptome and genomic information of cells in their native tissue environment.
My research involves using cutting-edge spatial genomic methods to map the cellular and molecular organisation of human gonadal development. The work aims to generate a comprehensive profile of the cell types and states present during human development. I perform complex laboratory experiments for spatial transcriptomics on human fetal gonad tissue material, thus exploring new scientific questions in gonad development. Our groups work helps shape future research questions in human development. 3D cellular maps are generated to comprehend tissue organisation, cell-cell communication and pathology using valuable new spatial genomic tools.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, going to the theatre and playing football. I am fully trained as a hospital radio presenter, and previously hosted my own weekly show playing a variety of music for the wide range of patient listeners. I value education and have had the experience of teaching English as a Foreign language at a private international school and English language school in Morocco as well as at Select Summer School, Cambridge. I enjoy playing the flute, support Leeds United and appreciate sunrise and sunsets at the coast!
ELIZABETH AMEDJOU
I am a graduate from Anglia Ruskin University (Forensic Science) and the University of Hull (Forensic and Anlytical Science). Currently, I am on a role as a Quality Assurancer Officer at the Cambridge Scienec Park. Prior to this role, I have been involved with core laboratory procedures and adhered to requirements and regulations which are in line with GLP and GMP. I have an unwavering commitment to management service. I can perform and conduct various quality control functions, prepare laboratory reports and experiments, review and collate manufacturing reports, coordinate and oversee initiatives designed to advance continuous improvement, and collaborate with relevant departments as needed. I possess excellent oral and written communication skills, which helps me to liaison with managements and employees at different levels effectively.
Black Medical Scientific Network 