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Initiative with Impact
This award recognises organisations, teams, or groups (including agencies/consultancies) that have launched high-impact initiatives to advance ethnic diversity and inclusion within the life sciences sector. It celebrates creative projects or programmes that have delivered measurable positive change for Black and ethnically diverse professionals, whether within an organisation, across the sector, or in partnership with communities.
Who can apply?
- Open to organisations, agencies, consultancies, Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Councils, or Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
- Initiative must have run between Jan 2025 and Jan 2026.
- Focus: advancing ethnic diversity and inclusion.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award honours early-career professionals who are already making a significant mark in life sciences. It highlights individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise, leadership potential, and a commitment to innovation and inclusion, helping to shape the future of the sector.
Who can apply?
- Open to early-career professionals (1–5 years’ experience) who identify as Black or ethnically diverse.
- Must work in life sciences (biotech, pharma, research, agencies, consultancies, industry bodies etc.).
- Recognises notable contributions and leadership potential.
Inspiring Leader Award
This award is for mid-senior level and above professionals who have shown transformative leadership in championing inclusion, diversity, and equity. It recognises those who foster a people-first culture, mentor and sponsor underrepresented talent, and deliver lasting organisational or sector-wide impact.
Who can apply?
- Open to mid-senior level and above professionals who identify as Black or ethnically diverse.
- Must work in life sciences (biotech, pharma, healthcare, research, etc.).
- For leaders with a proven track record in inclusion and positive change.
Impactful Allyship Award
The Impactful Allyship Award celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond to support and advocate for Black and ethnically diverse professionals. It honours those who take meaningful action to challenge barriers, drive cultural change, and inspire others to become allies within the life sciences community.
Who can apply?
- Open to individuals in life sciences who actively support Black and ethnically diverse professionals.
- Recognises meaningful allyship, advocacy, and driving cultural change.
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.”
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