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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Upcoming career development opportunities for technical professionals in 2026 👇🏾 WinterFest: buff.ly/ILUHg9P @rsb.org.uk technical skills courses: buff.ly/hq8HBTI @uk-itss.bsky.social Learning & Development Academy: buff.ly/PFKYBS4 SpringFest: details tba

Don’t miss these training opportunities for technical professionals in 2026

WinterFest – 12–23 January: Online learning festival for technical professionals delivered by UK ITSS Learning & Development Academy.

RSB Training Courses – 22 January: Courses in Aseptic Techniques and Cell Culture: The Basics at the University of York – special bundle offer available for booking onto both courses.

RSB Training Courses – 28-29 April: Courses in Microscopy & Microbiology and ELISA at Brunel University, London

SpringFest – 11–22 May: Online learning festival for technical professionals delivered by UK ITSS Learning & Development Academy.

RSB Training Courses – 10 June: Courses in Aseptic Techniques and Cell Culture: The Basics at the University of York – special bundle offer available for booking onto both courses

ITSS Learning & Development Academy: New expert-led course offerings throughout 2026, with prices starting from £0 and flexible learning options

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Mark your calendars for 2026! Swipe below to see what exciting events and opportunities our community can look forward to in 2026 👇🏾

12–23 January: UK ITSS WinterFest, Online.
9 February: Collaboration Fund application deadline – Details on our website.
27–29 March: TMU Annual Conference, Calman Learning Centre, Durham University.
28–29 April: UK Technology Specialists Network Conference, Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon.

11–22 May: UK ITSS SpringFest, Online.
2 June: Technician Commitment Signatory Event, London.
1 July: Technicians in Partnership Conference, Newcastle University.

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

As we look forward to 2026, here are just a few standout moments from this year. Thank you for all your support and engagement in 2025 – we look forward to continuing to work together in the new year. Stay tuned to see what’s next for Technician Commitment in 2026!

Text reads '8 new signatories'. Logos of the 8 new signatories arranged alphabetically: Bath Spa University; Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University; Malaghan Institute of Medical Research; Monash University; The Pirbright Institute; University of Cumbria; University of Westminster; University of Westminster.

Text reads '7 new supporters'. Logos of the 7 new supporter organisations arranged alphabetically: Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare; Association of Technical Staff in Psychology; The Chartered Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences; Institution of Chemical Engineers; University Biosciences Managers Association; Society for the Environment; University Vocational Awards Council.

Text reads: '2 successful signatory events bringing together almost 200 signatory and supporter leads from across our community'. 2 photos showing all delegates who attended each of the 2 signatory events.

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

We are proud to welcome the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) to our global supporter community. Read more on our website 👉 www.techniciancommitment.org.uk/the-associat... Learn more about IChemE 👉 www.icheme.org

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

We warmly invite members of our signatory institutions to apply for the Technician Commitment Collaboration Fund, a small grants scheme allowing for signatories to undertake projects with external partners. Read more and apply before 9 February 2026 👉 shorturl.at/1aeJT

Collaboration Fund Now Open. Grants of between £100–1000 available

What is the Collaboration Fund?
A small grants scheme that funds collaborative projects between Technician Commitment signatory institutions and external partners that advance the aims of the Technician Commitment
Who can apply?
Any staff member at a Technician Commitment signatory organisation. Collaborating external organisations do not need to be signatories.
How much funding is on offer?
Up to 5 grants ranging between £100–1000 each. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.
Swipe for funding criteria & application process

Your project is a collaboration with any UK-based external partner(s) – they don’t have to be a Technician Commitment signatory.
The project will take place between 1 April and 31 December 2026
Your institution is a signatory to the Technician Commitment
Your project advances at least 1 pillar of the Technician Commitment: Visibility, Recognition, Career Development and Sustainability
Eligibility checklist
More details on our website

To apply, complete the application form by
9 February 2026.
Questions? See our website for more information or contact Clare Stevenson at tc@itss.org.uk

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Our November 2025 signatory event brought together 110 technicians from 85 Technician Commitment signatory and supporter events, including our first international signatory. Check out some of the highlights of the day ➡️ shorturl.at/5phIp

Group photo of all 110 technicians who attended the November 2025 Technician Commitment signatory event

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Congratulations @jiteenahmed.bsky.social of @astonuniversity.bsky.social, named @timeshighered.bsky.social Outstanding Technician of the Year 2026 at yesterday’s #THEAwards & to Helena Brown of @universityofleeds.bsky.social who was highly commended for the award👏 Read more👉https://shorturl.at/h96qC

Jiteen Ahmed, Head of Technical Services in the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University, stands centre-stage at the Times Higher Education Awards ceremony, holding his Outstanding Technician of the Year Award trophy, flanked by Technician Commitment Programme Lead Kelly Vere MBE and one of the THE Award judges. s. All three are dressed in formal evening wear. Behind them, a large screen displays a photograph of Jiteen alongside bold text reading “Outstanding Technician of the Year – Winner: Jiteen Ahmed, Aston University"

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Monday reading: Meet the 8 shortlisted nominees for the 2025 @timeshighered.bsky.social Outstanding Technician of the Year award ➡️ shorturl.at/6IVv0 We’re proud to sponsor the award – winner announced this Thursday at the #THEAwards

Collage celebrating the eight nominees shortlisted for the 2025 Times Higher Education Outstanding Technician of the Year Award. Top row: Phil Chaplain, Engineering Services Manager and Health & Safety Coordinator in the School of Computing, Engineering & Technology at Robert Gordon University. Second row (left to right): Linda Lightley, Scientific Officer in the School of Design at Northumbria University; Jiteen Ahmed, Head of Technical Services in the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University; Alex Laude, Head of Biomedical Research Facilities at Newcastle University. Third row (left to right): Helena Brown, Technical Specialist in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds; John Nicolson, Technician Development Adviser at the University of Cambridge. Bottom row (left to right): Joe Rees-Jones, Research Technician in the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology at the University of York; Kate Robinson, Ruminant Section Manager at Harper Adams University’s Future Farm.

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

100s of technicians start their mentoring journey The Cross Institution Mentoring Scheme (CIMS-T), led by Dorothea Mangels, Lisa Bedder, and Trevor Hardy, offers specialist mentoring support for technical professionals Read more itss.org.uk/100-technica...

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

A very warm welcome to Pirbright Institute. This world-leading centre of excellence in the research and surveillance of viral diseases of livestock and viruses that spread from animals to humans has joined the Technician Commitment community.

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

Our next signatory event will be on 18 November 2025 in London. Technician Commitment leads have been sent an invite with the link and password to register. Places are limited to one representative per institution. If you'd like to join the waiting list, please email tc@itss.org.uk

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Outstanding Technician of the Year 2025 shortlist: Jiteen Ahmed Aston University Alex Laude Newcastle University Helena Brown Uni of Leeds Joe Rees-Jones Uni of York John Nicolson Uni of Cambridge Kate Robinson Harper Adams Uni Linda Lightley Northumbria Uni Phil Chaplain Robert Gordon Uni

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

Registrations for the @rsc.org Technician Commitment relaunch event close 15 August. Don't miss out on this free event honouring their five-year support of the Technician Commitment. Places are limited, and travel bursaries up to £200 are available: www.rsc.org/events/detai...

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

The CASES Technical Special Interest Group (TSIG) is hosting its first in person event on 4 September, open to all who seek to empower and support technical colleagues in sport, health and exercise science. Registration is free and closes on 20 Aug: bases-live.workbooks.com/process/1QDN...

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

Register for the Technicians in Materials Innovation Conference hosted by the National Technical Platform for Materials Innovation (NTPMI) taking place 5 September! Open to Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) working in #materials science in the UK. www.royce.ac.uk/events/ntpmi...

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

The technical community is invited to join @rsc.org on 3 September at Burlington House to celebrate five years of their support of the Technician Commitment. The event is free to attend with limited travel bursaries available. More info and register: www.rsc.org/events/detai...

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Our seasonal newsletters provide key updates on signatory and supporter events, upcoming funding and development opportunities and sector news catered to technical leaders working in higher education and research. Don't miss the next one and subscribe: eepurl.com/iTx2WM

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Our early evening drinks reception included Prof Archie Clements, PVC for Research & Enterprise, @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social and Heather Burgess FHEA, Embroidery Technician / Co- Chair Technician Commitment, @ulsteruni.bsky.social recognising the forward progress of technicians at their unis

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Kelly Vere’s closes the daytime event by thanking speakers, organisers, funders and venue staff for the smooth sailing and energising day.

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Clare Stevenson @cemstevenson.bsky.social Technician Commitment Associate Lead shares a proposal for regional technical networks supported by Technician Commitment champions

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Mel Leitch organises an interactive discussion on future-proofing our universities and supporting our technical professionals in restricted financial circumstances.

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Huge thanks to Nik Ogryzko @nikogryzko.bsky.social, Gillian Riddel, Dermot Barry @dermbry.bsky.social, Amelia Dingley, and Natalie Homer @nataliezmhomer.bsky.social for presenting insightful speed talks on their innovative sector best practice

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Sarah Allen @uk-itss.bsky.social, Phill Dodd @salforduni.bsky.social and Lizzy James @northumbriauni.bsky.social share Career Pathways Action Group projects to change the culture around career development and creating toolkits for institutions to plan and implement career and promotional pathways

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Hugh McKenna, REF 2029 Research Diversity Advisory Panel Member, Ulster University covers how research enabling teams can be linked to evaluation and impact in REF 2029 submissions

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Duncan Shermer, Head of REF Evaluation and Development shares an overview of REF 2029 and why the People, Culture & Environment pilot matters

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Alan Stitt, Dean of Innovation & Impact, Queens University Belfast @alanretina.bsky.social warmly welcomed the room to N. Ireland, also highlighting the value of Belfast’s highly skilled technicians responsible for early screening of retinal scans & QUB’s Technician Commitment journey since 2017

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Director of Technician Commitment and @uk-itss.bsky.social Kelly Vere kicks off the morning with updates on activities coming out of Technician Commitment and the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy.

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Good morning from Belfast! We’re at @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social Riddel Hall, hosting our 14th signatory and supporter event. Stay tuned for live updates on today’s talk-filled agenda

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

The @timeshighered.bsky.social Outstanding Technician of the Year award recognises an individual whose exceptional practical skills, commitment and vision has enabled the highest quality teaching, research or knowledge transfer. Nominate by Monday 9 June: t.co/00aHXm1x6O

Miles Jupp, Jodie Chatfield, Clare Viney

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Just 7 more sleeps until we welcome delegates for the 14th signatory and supporter event. We look forward to seeing all our Technician Commitment institutional leads and champions in Belfast next Wednesday!

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

This is the last weekend to apply for the Executive Programme in Strategic Technical Leadership! If you've already applied, please ensure line manager statements are submitted before the deadline on Monday 28 April. More details and how to apply: www.nottingham.ac.uk/business/exe...

Quote: "The sessions were very thought provoking and raised a challenge for us to consider what actions we were doing and the responsibility we have, not just locally but also nationally.”

Pictured: Jen Gallagher, Laboratory Manager, University of Dundee

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

📣 Calling all current and aspiring Strategic Technical Leaders! There's an Executive Programme offering 3 online workshops and 2 in-person residentials catered to technical leaders, beginning this July. Applications close 28 April: www.nottingham.ac.uk/business/exe...

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Just two weeks left to register for our next signatory event! Don't miss the chance to network with institutional leads, hear sector updates and share best practice. Where: Riddel Hall, Belfast When: 14 May Check your inbox for the link and password to register via Eventbrite.

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Strategic technical leaders working in higher education or #research institutes are invited to apply for the Executive Programme in Strategic Technical Leadership, beginning 1 July. Full and partial scholarships are available. More info and link to apply here: www.nottingham.ac.uk/business/exe...

2024 cohort of the Executive Programme in Strategic Technical Leadership sat outside on Jubilee Campus. White text overlay reads 'Join a national professional network'.

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Technician Commitment @tech-commit.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Travel bursaries for the Higher Education Technicians Summit are available for technical delegates wishing to attend whose organisations do not cover travel. Applications close Friday 28 February! Apply here: forms.office.com/pages/respon... Register to attend: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uk-higher-...

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