Technology Specialists Network
Empowering specialist technical professionals through collaboration
Home »The UK Technology Specialists Network (TSN) is a growing community of technology specialists in higher education and research.
TSN shares best practice, knowledge, skills and career development opportunities with its members.
Members of TSN benefit from innovative technical career development opportunities, to support people in these specialist roles.
“We co-founded TSN to develop a national group that will enhance skills and knowledge of individuals and strengthen institutional expertise.”
Natalie Homer, University of Edinburgh
Opportunities, knowledge and skills
Technology Specialists Network: Research Technical Professional Opportunities, Knowledge and Skills (TSN ROKS) is an EPSRC-funded initiative improving long-term career prospects for RTPs in higher education, research and innovation. It is one of eleven UK-wide projects within the Strategic Technical Platforms Project.
Click on the projects below to learn more.
The Strategic Technical Platforms Projects
More training and development opportunities for research technical professionals (RTPs) are being unlocked, thanks to £16m of funding.
Opportunities for technicians
View opportunities for all technicial professionals delivered by the Learning and Development Academy.
TSN ROKS – Opportunities for Research Technical Professionals (RTPs)
TSN ROKs delivers funding and funded opportunities for RTPs within the EPSRC remit. There are a range of opportunities available to improve skillset, build a professional network of technology specialist colleagues across the UK and benefit from personal development.
UK Capabilities Showcase & Equipment Sharing Fund
The ITSS Technology Capabilities Showcase promotes research facilities and technical expertise. Funding is available for researchers, Research Technology Professionals (RTPs) and PhD students who want to access research equipment featured in the showcase.
Technology Specialists Network FAQs
What is the UK Technology Specialists Network (TSN)?
The UK Technology Specialists Network is a UK-wide network of technicians who have specialist technological expertise. This expertise can include roles within STEM, data science, arts and humanities.
The network was created to enable free-flowing communication between a wide variety of technology experts, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills across UK institutes and sharing best practice.
When was TSN established?
The network was formed in 2022 and was initially supported by the Research England funded, MI TALENT Programme. TSN moved to the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy on 1 August 2023 to ensure sustainability for the network and for better connection with existing technical communities, like the Technician Commitment.
Do I need to pay to be a member?
No, membership is free.
How do I keep in touch with other technicians in the network?
Who can join the TSN network?
Research Technical Professionals (RTPs), Research Software Engineers (RSEs) and Data Wranglers, Technical Professionals working in creative arts or humantities roles within UK higher education and research are encouraged to join TSN.
How do I become a TSN member?
To be part of the free network subscribe to the TSN Jiscmail list.
Click here to subscribe and get access to latest news, opportunities and tap into the knowledge base of hundreds of UK-wide technical specialists.