Representation, Resilience, and Raising the Next Generation in STEM

For Black History Month, Chartered Biomedical Scientist Bamidele Farinre reflects on representation, resilience, and raising the next generation in STEM.

A respected voice in biomedical science and a passionate advocate for diversity, Bamidele shares what this month means to her, as a Black woman, mentor, and leader, and the importance of turning awareness into action across the profession.

What Black History Month means to her

Black History Month is deeply personal to me. As a Black woman in STEM, it’s both a celebration and a reflection - a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much work remains. It’s about visibility, belonging, and acknowledging the excellence that too often goes unrecognised.

For me, it doesn’t begin or end in October. It’s a continuous commitment to celebrating Black brilliance and contribution in science and healthcare every day. Each time I walk into the lab, mentor a student, or speak at an event, I carry the legacy of those who paved the way. The unsung heroes whose perseverance made my journey possible.

The importance of celebrating representation

Representation matters. When young people see someone who looks like them thriving in biomedical science it gives them permission to dream. Celebrating Black History Month within our profession isn’t just symbolic, but necessary.

It serves as a reminder that diversity strengthens science, innovation, and patient outcomes. The 2025 Lovelace Report highlights that representation of Black professionals in STEM remains disproportionately low, especially at senior levels. Recognising this gap isn’t enough - we must act collectively to close it. Marking Black History Month helps to keep this conversation alive while honouring those who continue to break barriers and create pathways for others.

Developments since her last feature

Since my last feature, I’ve published my book The Mentor’s Journey: From Learning to Leading. It is a work that explores mentorship, leadership, and resilience through personal storytelling and practical insight. It’s been humbling to see how it has resonated across sectors, sparking meaningful conversations about equity and representation.

I’ve also continued to expand BAMS Space: No Ceiling, a mentorship and leadership hub designed to empower individuals and communities to rise beyond perceived limits. Every opportunity to mentor, teach, or lead reaffirms my belief that true progress happens when we lift others as we climb.

Progress in improving representation and equity

Progress is visible, but we still have a distance to travel. There’s a growing awareness and willingness to confront the barriers that have historically limited inclusion in our field. However, the data from the Lovelace Report reminds us that systemic disparities persist, particularly in leadership representation, progression, and pay equity.

We need to move from awareness to sustained action, with collaborative efforts between professional bodies, institutions, and community advocates. The strength of biomedical science lies in its diversity, and our collective responsibility is to ensure that inclusion becomes a cultural norm, not a checkbox exercise.

Final thought

Representation is not just about visibility; it’s about legacy — creating a pathway for those coming after us, so they can rise higher, dream bigger, and know they belong.

Bamidele’s reflections reinforce the power of representation and the responsibility to create lasting change. Her commitment to mentorship, inclusion, and leadership continues to inspire others to build a more equitable future for biomedical science.

We would like to thank Bamidele Farinre for sharing her reflections and for her ongoing work to support and empower future generations in STEM.