Immunology Futures is a new articles series for Immunology & Cell Biology. Immunology Futures is designed as a forum to promote dialog with the immunology research community, in particular early-career researchers. The series aims to be a platform for career advice and to elevate the voices of diverse immunologists to provide multiple perspectives on a successful career in immunology.

The retention of senior women in STEMM academia is a significant issue worldwide. Our analyses of publicly available funding outcomes from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC) have revealed that gender bias is a significant contributor to the lack of retention of women.

This article is a personal perspective on the double-dose effect of racism and sexism on Black females within the academic system. I present statistical evidence of the under-representation of this group in academic leadership positions and discuss some factors – systematic and cultural – that have contributed to the low numbers of Black women in academic leadership. The detrimental impact of this under-representation is supported by anecdotes from other Black women in academia. Finally, I propose some practical solutions to increase the representation of Black women in academia through the proactive inclusion of Black women in the design of frameworks and policies targeted to improve racial and gender-based inequality.

Immunology in Montreal.

Lack of well-trained Sudanese immunologists hampers the ability of next generation of Sudanese students to get quality immunology training. By narrating my personal story, I highlight the challenges faced by students at home and argue for the importance of mentorship in helping them realize their dreams.