200 technical specialists in the higher education and research sector attended the third UK Technology Specialists Network (TSN) annual conference in York on 29-30 April 2025.
The two-day event featured talks and workshops on technical careers, metrics for core facilities, facility finances, environmental sustainability and support for writing successful research grants.
A funder panel featuring UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Engineering Physics and Science Research Council (EPSRC) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) showcased the impact of the Technician Commitment and the success of research grants led by technical professionals.
Delegates learned about a £1.8m grant which has unlocked bespoke learning and development opportunities for the research technical professional (RTP) community and how to engage with the TSN ROKS project.
Dr Ian Hancox, Co-director for the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy, Director of Research Technology and Technical Strategy for the University of Warwick said:
“This is the third annual conference TSN has hosted, which shares insights, innovation within the research technical professional community.
“This year’s event explored key topics impacting the technical community within higher education and research, an update on the popular TSN ROKS EPSRC-funded research project and facility tours at the University of York.
“It was positive to hear that over half of BBSRC ALERT proposals led by research technical professionals (RTPs) have been successful, which is testament to the expertise and knowledge RTPs bring to universities and research institutes.
“Thank you to the funder panel for sharing insights into Technician Commitment action plans and how they continue to raise the visibility and recognition of technical skills and careers.”
The Technology Specialists Network is open to technical professionals working in UK universities and research institutes and has more than 500 members. Find out more about the network here.
The 2025 TSN Conference was sponsored by Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, New England Biolabs, Spectrometrics, Stratocore, UniGreenScheme, Idea Elan, Nikon and ULab.
The national technical network was established in late 2022. It was initially formed as part of the Research England funded TALENT Programme and is now part of the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy.