UK Technology Specialists Network Conference 2026
Tuesday 28 April 2026, All day – Wednesday 29 April 2026, AM
Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon, Bridgefoot, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6YR
Who should attend?
Technical professionals working in higher education and research institutions such as:
- Research Technical Professionals (RTPs)
- Research Software Engineers (RSEs), Data Wranglers
- TSN members (Find out more about TSN here)
Registration
This event is FREE to attend, but any travel and accommodation costs incurred must be covered by your organisation.
Speakers and Workshops
AGENDA – Tuesday 28 April
- 10:00 – 10:30 Registration
- 10:30 – 10:45 Welcome – TSN overview and ITSS Update
- 10:45 – 11:15 Speed dating Session – Networking
- 11:15 – 12:00 TSN ROKS case studies
- 12.00 – 12.30 Research Catalyst Cohort
- 12:30 – 13:30 Networking Lunch
- 13:30 – 14:30 Workshops
You will be invited to pre-select from five options. You will be sent a form in advance, and all sessions will be repeated so you can attend two workshops. Sessions include Soft Skills for ECT, how to apply for funding, Apprenticeships, Data Management and Mentoring.
- 14:30 – 15:10 Break
- 15:10 – 16:10 Workshop Session 2
- 16:10 – 16:30 Workshop Session summaries and Q&A
- 16:30 – 17:00 Day 1 summary and event close
- 19:00 Optional Network Dinner Arrival 19.00 for 19:30 start – pre-booking essential and a £15 contribution is required
AGENDA – Wednesday 29 April
- 09:00 – 09:50 Coffee and network or Community breakfast meetings: Genomics, Mass Spec or Precision Imaging Network
- 10:00 – 10:20 UK ITSS Career Pathways Action Group – Update
- 10:20 – 10:50 X-Cited, Ras-Steps and T-Pike
- 10:50 – 11:10 Equipment Sharing
- 11:10 – 11:40 Break
- 11:40 – 12:00 UKRI updates
- 12:00 – 12:10 EPSRC Update
- 12:10 – 12:35 Sustainability and SparkHub
- 12:35 – 12:55 Hot Topics
- 12:55 – 13:15 Q and A for TSN and the future, and closing remarks
14:00 Main event closes
- 14:00-17:00 UK Research Facility Coordinators Network (RFCN) satellite meeting (Invited members only)
Optional Dinner
There is an optional dinner the evening of Tuesday 28 April at the venue. When you register, confirm if you would like to attend; you will be sent a separate booking form and will be asked to pay a non-refundable contribution of £15 towards the meal. It will not be possible to attend the dinner without pre-booking and pre-payment.
Background
The Technology Specialists Network was established by the Research England funded TALENT Programme. The network, which aims to share insights, best practice and support colleagues in similar roles, now sits within the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy.
This is the fourth Technology Specialists Network conference to take place and is open to technical professionals working in UK universities and research institutes. Delegates who register will be contacted nearer the date for more information regarding which breakout sessions they wish to attend.