Empower – Connecting Black Researchers in the UK
Are you a Black or Black heritage researcher at a PhD or Master’s level?
We’re back for the third year of Empower!
Join us on Thursday 11th of June at Imperial’s South Kensington campus for Empower 2026: Connecting Black Researchers. This free event brings together Black academics from across the UK for a day of connection, collaboration and celebration. We have curated an experience to help showcase your research, spark new ideas, and strengthen the networks that support and elevate our community. Expect interactive workshops on transforming your research into entrepreneurial ventures, communicating your work with clarity and confidence, and – most importantly – plenty of great food and space to build meaningful connections.
What to expect from Empower 2026:
We listened to your feedback and suggestions from last year and have carried through the focus on practical advice and networking while making this year even more interactive. You can expect:
- Research Poster showcase with prizes for the top three entries
- Interactive workshops, led by experienced academic leaders and Black entrepreneurs, on communicating your research and translating research into enterprise solutions.
- Inspiring keynote speaker – TBC
- Lots and lots of networking opportunities!
- Afro-Caribbean food from Right Choice caterers (back by popular demand!)
Our focus this year leans toward STEM, but we aim to remain fully inclusive. Anyone whose research advances humanity is welcome to join us. We champion collaborative cultures built on the three C’s: collaboration, communication, and convergence.
Research Poster Showcase information:
Apply to present your work at Empower 2026. We invite submissions from all STEM backgrounds. Entries are welcome from neuroscience, social sciences, engineering, physics, and beyond.
This is your chance to:
- Share your research with a diverse and engaged audience
- Connect with fellow Black researchers from across the UK
- Gain visibility and valuable feedback on your work
- Compete for cash prizes for outstanding posters!
The poster session will take place from 12:00 – 1:00 pm, giving you a head start on networking with peers and potential collaborators. If you tick ‘yes’ on the sign-up to take part in the poster showcase, we’ll be in touch with you separately about this. The deadline for poster signups is April 27thth
→ See more details about the poster showcase here
Registrations for Empower are now closed.
We appreciate your interest in joining us this year. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact Imperial’s Black Doctoral Network expressing your interest, and include a brief introduction about yourself, your university, and your area of research.
→ Contact the Black Doctoral Network
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FAQs
What can be reimbursed:
● Standard class train tickets
● Standard coach/bus tickets
(First class tickets will not be reimbursed.)
If you require an overnight stay, we may be able to partially reimburse accommodation costs. Please email us in advance to discuss this.