An inspiring new book has been published today (29 July) which provides a unique and insightful perspective on the technical workforce in higher education and research institutions.
Technicians in Higher Education and Research. An Insight into Technical Careers, Roles and Contributions features 13 chapters exploring a broad range of themes impacting the technical workforce and the modern-day technician.
The book is the first of its kind globally to be published, combining the collective expertise of varied and diverse contributors across 13 chapters, presented in an accessible format for a broad audience.
The book has been spearheaded and edited by Dr Kelly Vere MBE, Director of Technical Strategy at the University of Nottingham, Director of the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy and Technician Commitment.
She said: “This new book is the first of its kind to be published globally and wouldn’t have been possible without the expertise and input from all the contributors.
“It’s the breadth of topics covered from such diverse perspectives which make the book unique and I’m confident it will be a helpful resource for people working in the sector for many years to come.
“Each chapter includes authentic first-hand experiences and highlights the vital contributions technical professionals make to higher education, research and innovation. I would like to extend my gratitude to all the contributors for their insights and expertise who, without their support, would not have made this book possible.”
The chapters and contributors are:
- Defining Technicians by Dr Francis Wragg
- Behind the laboratory doors: A brief history of technicians by Andy Connelly
- Technicians as educators by Tim Savage
- Research technician or technical researcher? by Dr Clare Stevenson, Martin Dellar and Professor Sir Martyn Poliakoff CBE FRS FREng
- Technical staff in core facilities – ensuring sustainability of technology, expertise and efficient sharing by Dr Ian Hancox
- The role of technicians in health and safety by Jane Hubble and Dr Julie Turner
- Technicians and procurement by Jiteen Ahmed
- Technicians and environmental sustainability by Martin Farley
- Accreditation/professional registration for technicians and the role of professional bodies in supporting the technician community by Helen Gordon, Jane Banks and Holly Chetan-Welsh
- Research culture: a technician lens by Catrin Harris
- Changing the culture for technicians: UK sector and policy developments by Dr Kelly Vere
- Engaging the public with the world of technicians: The Gatsby way and its technician mission by Michelle Rea
- The next chapter: Driving further recognition, status, and opportunity for the technical profession in higher education and research by Dr Kelly Vere MBE
Publisher Routledge Taylor and Francis Group describes it as “a must-read for aspiring and current technicians across all disciplines, education and research leaders, managers and policymakers.”