Black Professionals in Life Sciences (BPLS)
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The BPLS Inspire Awards 2026: Nominations CLOSED

The BPLS Inspire Awards celebrate bold leadership, breakthrough innovation, and a deep commitment to inclusion within the UK life sciences sector.

This is our second BPLS Inspire Awards, building on the success of our inaugural programme and continuing our commitment to celebrating those driving positive change in life sciences.


Award winners will be announced at the BPLS Annual Summit on Thursday, 26th March 2026 at A&O Shearman, One Bishops Square, London.

2026 Award Categories

Initiative with Impact Award

Initiative with Impact Award

Initiative with Impact Award

Recognising organisations, teams, or groups that have delivered high-impact initiatives advancing Ethnic Diversity and/or Equity and Inclusion across life sciences.

Rising Star Award

Initiative with Impact Award

Initiative with Impact Award

Honouring early-career professionals demonstrating exceptional promise, leadership potential, and a commitment to innovation and inclusion.

Inspiring Leader Award

Impactful Allyship Award

Impactful Allyship Award

Recognising mid- to senior-level professionals who have shown transformative leadership in championing equity, mentoring underrepresented talent, and driving lasting impact.

Impactful Allyship Award

Impactful Allyship Award

Impactful Allyship Award

Celebrating individuals who have gone above and beyond to advocate for and amplify Black and ethnically diverse professionals within the life sciences community.

2026 Inspire Awards Winners

Initiative with Impact

AWARD WINNER

Unseen Unheard: The untold breast cancer stories of Black Women in the UK


Companies:

Gilead Sciences Ltd in association with Black Women Rising

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Break the Taboo: HIV & Anal Health


Companies: 

Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance BHA for Equality

Intent Health 

Rising Star Award

AWARD WINNER

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Deborah Ojutalayo

Senior Research Associate 

AviadoBio

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Bowo Oluniyi

Medical Lead, UKINOR

 Grunenthal 

Inspiring Leader Award

AWARD WINNER

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Dr Aziza Sesay 

GP, Educator, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer and medical broadcaster 

 Talks With Dr Sesay

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Nyambe “Yam” Sumbwanyambe 

Founder

 The Black Sherpa

Impactful Allyship Award

AWARD WINNER

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Julian Cole

Country Medical Director 

Gilead Sciences Ltd 

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Dr. Rebecca Jackson 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead (UK) 

Pfizer Ltd 

Thanks to our esteemed Judging Panel

Neil Flash

Kamiqua Lake

Kamiqua Lake

Owner, Ignition Consulting 


"Supporting  the BPLS team with their inaugural awards in 2024 was a real highlight  in my year, recognising excellence and advancing equity, representation  and leadership among Black and ethnically diverse professionals in life  sciences. It is a privilege to return this year to help expand the  programme and lead a distinguished panel of judges."

Kamiqua Lake

Kamiqua Lake

Kamiqua Lake

Founder & CEO, Coldr


“I’m  honoured to serve as a judge for the BPLS Inspire Awards. These awards  shine a light on the changemakers who are pushing the life sciences  sector forward, championing inclusion, and inspiring progress. It’s a  privilege to help recognise the people who are shaping the future of our  industry.”

Owen Marks

Kamiqua Lake

Lucy Turner

Principle, OMGEN 


"I’m  proud to serve as a judge for the BPLS Inspire Awards. Recognising and  championing Black excellence in our industry matters, it strengthens our  sector and ensures the next generation of innovators can see themselves  represented. The depth of talent within this community is  extraordinary, and it’s a privilege to help highlight those making a  defining impact."

Lucy Turner

Kamiqua Lake

Lucy Turner

Chief Purpose Officer

The Game Changer Collective


"Coined  an ‘inclusion hooligan’, I firmly believe that decisions in our world  (and especially our Life Sciences sector) are optimised when we have  solid representation.   Having joined the industry in 1997 I’ve seen so  much change, but not enough in terms of ethnic diversity, inclusion a

Chief Purpose Officer

The Game Changer Collective


"Coined  an ‘inclusion hooligan’, I firmly believe that decisions in our world  (and especially our Life Sciences sector) are optimised when we have  solid representation.   Having joined the industry in 1997 I’ve seen so  much change, but not enough in terms of ethnic diversity, inclusion and  belonging.   Through the judging process and awards I look forward to  hearing success stories and ensuring those that are moving the dial are  recognised and show cased."

Adam Isle

Avril Lee FCIPR

Steven Fuller

Early Talent Lead, GSK


"Inclusion  drives innovation, and by inspiring those starting out to explore life  science careers we strengthen the future of our industry and open doors  for those who will shape tomorrow’s breakthroughs."

Steven Fuller

Avril Lee FCIPR

Steven Fuller

Director of Communities & Founder of Race in STEM

The IN Group


"Being  a judge for the BPLS means a lot to me. There are many deserving  professionals who are aspiring and inspirational. Identifying those who  are going to be rewarded will be a challenge; however to be a part of a  process to acknowledge the impact everyone is making provid

Director of Communities & Founder of Race in STEM

The IN Group


"Being  a judge for the BPLS means a lot to me. There are many deserving  professionals who are aspiring and inspirational. Identifying those who  are going to be rewarded will be a challenge; however to be a part of a  process to acknowledge the impact everyone is making provides a feeling  of warmth and encouragement that change is taking place, and there is  more to come. As a judge doesn’t mean I’m better; it means I can  support, encourage, recognise and support development in many areas  across personal and professional lives." 

Avril Lee FCIPR

Avril Lee FCIPR

Avril Lee FCIPR

Healthcare Communications Consultant, Gleen Consulting


"Being invited to judge the BPLS Inspire Awards is a real honour, and I’m  excited to bring my passion for advancing diversity in healthcare to  this fantastic initiative. Our life sciences sector thrives when diverse  perspectives shape innovation and excellence, and I’m delighted to help  recognise those who are leading the way."

Naseem Ahmed

Avril Lee FCIPR

Avril Lee FCIPR

Global Director, Inclusion & Impact, Inizio


“It’s a privilege to judge and see the work that’s genuinely advancing our industry and creating space for more voices.”

Adama Ibrahim EMBA

Dr Adaugo (Diggi) Onyeador MBBS BSc

Dr Adaugo (Diggi) Onyeador MBBS BSc

President, Global Life Sciences Advisory and Consulting 

Crest Meridian Limited


“As a judge for the BPLS Inspire Awards 2026,  I am honoured to recognise organisations and teams that demonstrate  measurable progress in ethnic diversity and inclusion, reflecting my  lifelong commitment to driving equitable innovation and transformative  impact across global health and technology.”

Dr Adaugo (Diggi) Onyeador MBBS BSc

Dr Adaugo (Diggi) Onyeador MBBS BSc

Dr Adaugo (Diggi) Onyeador MBBS BSc

Associate Director Medical Affairs Oncology


"Serving as a judge for the BPLS INSPIRE Awards is an brilliant  opportunity to spotlight rising stars, celebrate visionary leaders from  diverse backgrounds highlighting the impact they contribute to the  industry"

Important Dates

Submissions Open: 5 December 2025


Submissions Close: 30 January 2026 (18:00)


Nominees Informed: 4 February 2026


Shortlist (2 nominees) Announced: 

17 February 2026


Winners & Highly Commended Announced Live at the BPLS Annual Summit: 26 March 2026

Location: A&O Shearman, One Bishops Square, London, E1 6AD

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