The Power of Representation: Insights from Holding the Space

My second-year Biochemistry PhD research focuses on developing and applying in vivo hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) workflows to study changes in protein dynamics in cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).

In April I was invited by the University Doctoral School to attend the Holding the Space: Shining a Light on Black Academics Conference in London. Attending was a truly rewarding experience. The conference provided a unique opportunity to engage with Black scholars from a wide range of disciplines and learn about their experiences, achievements, and challenges within academia. Speakers and attendees were open and honest about their lived experiences as Black academics, which helped create a strong sense of community and belonging.

The highlight of the Conference for me was the panel session, “Embodied Pedagogy: Black Women and the Transformation of Academic Teaching”. I found this discussion particularly engaging because it explored how personal experiences, identity, and lived knowledge can shape teaching practices and student engagement. The panellists spoke candidly about their experiences within academia and the work they are doing to create more inclusive and reflective learning environments. Their insights encouraged me to think more deeply about the role of representation in education and the importance of fostering spaces where all students feel valued and supported.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the closing Keynote delivered by Professor Jason Arday. He reflected on his journey to becoming a professor, sharing both the challenges he faced and the sacrifices he made along the way. His honesty and resilience were inspiring and prompted me to reflect on my own academic journey, including what I prioritise and the sacrifices I am willing to make in pursuit of my goals.

The conference reinforced the importance of visibility and representation within academia. As a Black PhD researcher, it was inspiring to attend an event dedicated to celebrating the contributions of Black scholars and recognising the value of diverse perspectives in research and teaching. The event demonstrated that representation is not only important for those currently in academia but also for new students who benefit from seeing people with similar backgrounds succeeding in academic spaces.

Attending the Conference enriched my postgraduate research experience by encouraging me to think more broadly about my role as a researcher. While much of my day-to-day focus is on experimental design and data analysis, the conference highlighted the wider importance of mentorship, community, and professional networks. Conversations with people from different disciplines allowed me to appreciate how many challenges are shared across fields and emphasised the value of collaboration and mutual support.

The experience reminded me that academic success is rarely achieved in isolation and that supportive communities play a vital role in enabling researchers to thrive. I left the Holding the Space Conference feeling motivated and encouraged about my future career in research.