234 technical professionals from across the UK and Ireland began their transformative six-month leadership journey.
The 2026 Herschel Programme welcomes women technicians from over 80 institutions, making this the most wide-reaching cohort in Herschel history.
The unique Research England funded programme for current and aspiring technical leaders, has been developed to boost the number of women in managerial and leadership roles, directly tackling equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) challenges in the workforce.
With a 900+ strong alumni network, this pioneering programme has already helped women technical leaders gain confidence, secure promotions and build life-long connections.
The programme officially launched online on 14 January 2026, hosted by Herschel Programme Director Claire Cawthorne. The event featured an inspiring video message from the President of the Institute of Science and Technology (IST) and the UK’s first British astronaut, Helen Sharman OBE, alongside an insightful technician-led panel discussion with participants from the 2025 cohort.
Elicia Fyle, Biomedical Science Technician, London South Bank University said:
“For me it was how far the programme pushed me to grow, particularly in confidence”
Aimee-Louise Wilkin, Advanced Technician, Durham University said:
“Confidence, I think that was the biggest outcome for me. I would not have done things like talking to a group of people or making presentations prior to doing Herschel.”
Claire French, Faculty Regulatory Compliance Officer & Project Lead, Oxford Brookes University said:
“The post course effect really stood out, it has such a positive impact on both your personal development and career. It was about increasing your belief in yourself, and validation for those things you already knew”
Dr Kelly Vere MBE, Director for the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy and University Director of Technical Strategy for University of Nottingham added:
“We are so excited to launch this programme for the fifth year in 2026. We know that one of the challenges in the sector is a lack of diversity within technical management and leadership roles and we are determined to change this. The bespoke modules within this programme will give technical staff confidence, skills and tools to develop within their roles to further assert the valuable role of technicians within institutions. This unique initiative was initially piloted within the Research England funded Midlands Innovation TALENT programme, which is committed to advancing the careers, status and visibility of technicians. To ensure the sustainability of the initiative, the programme is now delivered through the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy.”
The 2026 programme will conclude in July 2026.