UCalgary hosts national Black Excellence conference

The University of Calgary, a platinum sponsor, welcomes Black scholars and professionals from across the country this week for the fourth-annual Black Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine and Health (BE-STEMM) conference.

Hosted by the Canadian Black Scientists Network (CBSN), the two-day event over July 31 and Aug. 1 focuses on learning, networking and celebrating accomplishments in research and innovation. This year’s conference will emphasize the work of trainees and establish the Alberta Node of the CBSN.

A space for connection and visibility

“We have data that shows that racialized people become less represented as we move through the academic ranks,” says Dr. Jennifer D. Adams, PhD, chairof the CBSN local organizing committee; Canada Research Chair in Creativity, Equity and STEMM; and a professor in UCalgary’s Faculty of Science.

“It’s not because of lack of qualifications or merits, it is because biases and anti-Blackness persist. We are often overlooked and undervalued for leadership roles.”

Adams says the conference is a vital space for connection because it allows Black trainees and professionals — who are often one of few in their fields — to see others in similar roles.

“Representation is a powerful catalyst for inspiration,” says Dr. Chinyere Nwafor-Okoli, DVM, PhD, provincial trauma epidemiologist at Alberta Health Services, and former postdoctoral fellow at UCalgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and co-chair of the BE-STEMM Local Organizing Committee.

“When a Black child or aspiring professional sees someone who looks like them thriving in STEMM, it elevates their aspirations and reinforces the belief that they, too, belong and can succeed in these fields.” 

BE-STEMM Alberta 2025 provides a unique platform for networking among trainees and established black professionals in academia and industry.

What to expect at BE-STEMM

The conference features:

• A career and job-information session featuring a wide range of organizations from across Canada.
• Concurrent and poster sessions highlighting research and professional work by emerging and established scientists.
• Networking opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals in STEMM fields.

Opening remarks will be delivered by Dr. Kristin Baetz, dean of science, PhD, and Dr. Kannin Osei-Tutu, inaugural senior associate dean of health equity and systems transformation at the Cumming School of Medicine, MD.

There will be a keynote by Dr. Gelan Ayana Zewdie, PhD (University of Toronto), and a panel on Black Health featuring  Dr. Nevicia Case, BA’13. MSc’15, PhD, and Dr. Uchechukwu Umezurike, PhD (UCalgary); Dr. Olajumoke Oyebode (UCalgary), Dr. Joseph Osuji, MN’02, PhD’09 (Mount Royal University); and Dr. Elizabeth Onyango, PhD (University of Alberta).

Conference aligns with institutional commitments 

BE-STEMM aligns with UCalgary’s institutional commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, including its signing of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education in 2021.

The BE-STEMM conference continues to be a space of connection, inspiration and visibility for Black excellence in research — and a call to action for institutions and allies alike. 

Nwafor-Okoli notes, “Allyship is not a passive concept — it demands action. It’s not a word to simply admire or discuss; it requires consistent, intentional effort.”  

Adams continues, “Allyship is also about unlearning biases, being authentic in your support of EDI initiatives, and being a part of shared, collaborative effort towards building an inclusive, affirming and respectful environment.”  

Organizers encourage allies to attend, listen and learn about the ongoing challenges of underrepresentation in science and health fields, and to engage with innovative research that highlights what’s lost when diversity is not valued.

The conference takes place at UCalgary’s Science theatres and runs from July 31 to Aug. 1, with registration open until 12 p.m. on Aug. 1. Register here.