As part of Black History Month, the British Science Association is collaborating with our partner, MSD, a global leader in healthcare to highlight their Black scientists and STEM professionals and their outstanding contributions. MSD was our Major Partner for the 2024 British Science Festival and will support our 2025 For Thought programme.

While Black History Month celebrates the vital impact of Black people in STEM, culture, and society, we believe inclusion must extend beyond this month. Recognising Black role models in STEM should be part of our everyday culture.

Mandisa Grimsey, Clinical Operations Manager (COM)

What is your role and responsibilities at MSD?

I’m a Clinical Operations Manager, overseeing regulatory and ethics applications to get approval for clinical trials in the UK and Ireland. This involves preparing materials for trial participants, presenting trials to ethics panels, addressing concerns, and ensuring the proper provision of clinical trial drugs to hospitals. Once the trial begins, I ensure it follows Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and complies with local regulations.

What inspired you to pursue a career in science, and how did you get here?

I’ve always been fascinated by human biology, though I wasn’t keen on direct patient care, which ruled out medicine. I studied Medical Science at De Montfort University and completed a 12-month placement with MSD’s Clinical Operations Managers team. I was drawn to the pharmaceutical industry, and after completing my degree, I re-joined MSD and have been here ever since.

What does Black History Month mean to you, particularly as a scientist?

Black History Month is a time to reflect on what it means to be Black in all aspects of life and to honour Black contributions to history. As a Black professional in clinical trials, it’s a chance to consider how past events have shaped current healthcare practices. It drives me to advocate for more equitable health outcomes and to support the advancement of ethnic minorities in clinical trials, ensuring diversity in research leads to better outcomes for all.

Rhoda Molife, Senior Principal Scientist & Team Leader in Clinical Development

What is your role and responsibilities at MSD?

I’m a Senior Principal Scientist and Team Leader in Clinical Development, working on global oncology clinical trials. My role involves creating strategies for new cancer drugs and overseeing all aspects of the trial process, from design and approval to execution and reporting.

What inspired you to pursue a career in science, and how did you get here?

My parents, both teachers, instilled in me the importance of education. I was always curious about how the body works, so I studied medicine. During my time as a junior doctor, I discovered oncology and fell in love with the multidisciplinary care involved. After 20 years in the NHS as an oncologist, I moved to the pharmaceutical industry to focus on developing drugs that save and improve lives

What does Black History Month mean to you, particularly as a scientist?

It’s inspiring to reflect on the contributions of those who paved the way for us. I appreciate the values my parents and teachers instilled in me to seek excellence for a greater cause. Black History Month also allows everyone to celebrate the depth of our culture and how it has shaped the world. I hope it encourages people to continue exploring this beyond the month itself.

Tobi Adeyemi, U.S. Oncology Financial Planning & Analysis

What is your role and responsibilities at MSD?

I’m currently in the US as part of an internal talent program, working with the US Oncology team in Financial Planning and Analysis. My role involves collaborating with colleagues to analyse business performance and shape strategies that enhance our patient impact. With a background as an NHS hospital pharmacist, I’ve been able to apply my scientific knowledge to healthcare, while gaining insights into international health systems like in the US.

What inspired you to pursue a career in science, and how did you get to where you are today?

I’ve always been fascinated by science and its potential to improve health outcomes. Growing up, books, films, and TV shows sparked my curiosity about how science could solve critical global issues. This inspired me to explore science-based careers. After seeking guidance from teachers, careers advisors, and family, I was steered towards pharmacy, where I could combine my interest in science with helping others.

What does Black History Month mean to you, particularly as a scientist?

Black History Month is a time to honour the immense contributions Black individuals have made to society, both in the UK and globally. In science and healthcare, it’s encouraging to see initiatives promoting diversity and creating opportunities for Black professionals to grow and thrive. While it’s important to celebrate during this month, we must continue to recognise and uplift these achievements year-round.

-

MSD has provided sponsorship funding for the 2024 British Science Festival and 2025 For Thought Summit (GB-NON-10385)