Bhadmus Mariam at the Forefront of Science Policy Dialogue in the UK

Nigerian-born scientist and doctoral researcher, Bhadmus Mariam, continues to distinguish herself on the international stage, recently participating in the prestigious Voice of the Future 2026 held at the iconic Houses of Parliament. The event, hosted by the Royal Society of Biology, brought together some of the brightest early-career scientists and key policymakers shaping the future of science in the United Kingdom.

Her attendance followed a special invitation facilitated by Emily Darlington, a member of the Innovation and Technology Committee, underscoring the recognition of Mariam’s growing voice within the scientific community.

The “Voice of the Future” event is widely regarded as a unique platform where young scientists engage directly with senior government officials and parliamentarians on pressing science policy issues. This year’s session featured an expert panel chaired by science communicator Susie Rabin, with contributions from prominent figures including Catherine Ross, Vicki Heath, Viscount Stansgate, Emily Darlington MP, and Lauren Sullivan MP. Discussions centered on the future of scientific disciplines in Britain, funding priorities, and how policy can better support innovation and research development.

Reflecting on the experience, Mariam described the event as both “insightful and empowering,” highlighting the rare opportunity it provided to question policymakers directly and gain clarity on the direction of UK science policy. She noted the diversity of scientific societies represented and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling shared challenges across all fields of science.

Beyond the panel discussions, the event also served as a valuable networking platform. Mariam engaged with fellow early-career scientists, exchanging ideas on research, discussing common challenges, and exploring collective hopes for the future of science. She observed that many of the issues raised transcended individual disciplines, reinforcing the need for broader systemic support to inspire and sustain the next generation of scientists.

One of the defining moments of her participation came during the question-and-answer session, where she posed a thought-provoking question to panelist Vicki Heath. Mariam raised concerns about the communication gap between scientists and the general public, particularly among postgraduate researchers who often struggle to present their work beyond academic circles.

She asked how universities could better integrate public speaking and science communication into research training, stressing that building public trust in science requires scientists to actively engage with society. Her intervention highlighted a critical issue in modern science: accessibility and transparency in research communication.

Mariam left the event with renewed motivation, describing it as a true embodiment of its name, “Voice of the Future.” She expressed deep appreciation to the Royal Society of Biology for creating a platform that amplifies young scientific voices and connects them with decision-makers.

As she continues her PhD journey at the University of Huddersfield, Bhadmus Mariam is not only contributing to scientific research but also actively shaping conversations around science policy, communication, and the role of scientists in society. Her growing influence reflects a new generation of scientists who are not just working in laboratories, but also engaging with the world to drive meaningful change.

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