Whether you’re seeking specialist peer-to-peer advice or looking to raise your profile within the wider technical community, joining a professional network for technical professionals can boost your personal and professional development.
They can help you connect with like-minded peers who experience the same challenges as you, understand the nuances of your technical role and can provide guidance when you need it most.
With a growing number of technical networks within higher education and research we look at the benefits of joining a network and which might be best for you.
Why should I join a technical network?
Support from peers who understand your role
Sometimes you need to chat with someone who’s been there, done that, and knows exactly what you’re talking about. Technical networks bring together people who understand the unique challenges of your role. It’s a shortcut to finding peers across the country who speak your language and can help you solve a problem.
Access to shared knowledge and best practices
Thanks to the JiscMail distribution lists, you have instant access to everyone in the network and their expertise, directly to work emails, when you need it most.
Stay informed about funding, events and job opportunities
Networks frequently share funding calls, workshop announcements, and placement opportunities specifically designed for technical professionals. Through these connections, you’ll discover career development opportunities for you and your teams.
Build visibility (without even trying)
Being an active member of a technical network can help you build your own professional network. Whether that’s sharing your expertise, presenting at an event, or just contributing to discussions, you’ll naturally raise your profile in the wider technical community.
How to get involved in a technical network
Find a network that aligns with your role or interests
Initially, identify networks specifically designed for your technical specialty.
Subscribe to JiscMail lists and follow social channels
Many of the technical networks have dedicated JiscMail lists. Check if the network you’re interested in has its own social channels to connect with too.
You are responsible for the content of the message(s) you post to JiscMail lists, they should be courteous and relevant to the list topic. Private (off-list) correspondence should not be posted to lists, without first seeking permission from each correspondent involved. Promotional messages should only be sent to a list if it is related to the subject or purpose of that list or of potential interest to list members, such as: new releases of software packages, publications, training courses, websites, job vacancies, conferences, etc. If in doubt always check with the List Owner. For more information visit https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/policyandsecurity/
National technical networks in higher education and research
Association of Technical Staff in Psychology (ASTIPs)
The Association of Technical Staff in Psychology exists primarily to share knowledge between technicians working in Psychology and Psychology related departments in academic institutions. Learn more about ASTIPs
Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) Special Interest Group
An active group providing a forum for networking, discussion, activities, knowledge sharing and debate among CASES members who share an interest in an identified area.
CHEAD: Council for Higher Education in Art & Design
CHEAD is the association of educational institutions with degree or postgraduate provision in art and design.
CHEAD supports a Technical Alliance bringing together technicians, technical tutors and technical leaders within CHEAD membership institutions and create opportunities to communicate and share best practice. Learn more about CHEAD
Early Career Technicians Network (ECTN)
A growing community of technicians within the first ten years of their career on LinkedIn and Instagram. Established by two technicians from Durham University, the two technicians are providing a space for technical professionals, sharing advice, top tips, tools and networking. Connect with the network on LinkedIn
Science Apprenticeship Forum
A UK-wide network supporting science apprentices and employers, providing a platform to share experiences, improve apprenticeship quality and champion the future scientific workforce. Learn more about the Science Apprenticeship Forum.
The UK ITSS Environmental Sustainability Network (ESN)
Any technical professionals working in a higher education or research institute with an interest in the environmental sustainability can join the network by subscribing to the JiscMail. Learn best practice, share ideas and solve challenges together. Click here to join the ESN network
The UK ITSS Technical Equality Diversity and Inclusion Network (TEDIN)
Any technical professionals working in a higher education or research institute with an interest in the EDI network can join the network by subscribing to the JiscMail. Learn best practice, share ideas and solve EDI challenges together. Click here to join the TEDIN JiscMail
Technical Managers in Universities Network (TMU)
One of the original technical networks, providing a place to ask questions, share best practice on policies, processes and anything impacting the role of technical managers. Click here to join the Technical Managers in Universities Network
The UK ITSS Technology Specialists Network (TSN)
A growing community of technology specialists including Research Technical Professionals (RTPs), Research Software Engineers (RSEs), Data Wranglers and Technical Professionals working in creative arts and humanities roles in UK universities and research institutions. This network hosts an annual two-day conference. Learn more
The Technician Commitment Network
A network for Technician Commitment signatory leads to share information and best practice. Click here to join the Technician Commitment JiscMail
University Bioscience Managers Association (UBMA)
UBMA is the organisation for Laboratory Superintendents and Managers in university biological, biochemical and life science departments, schools and faculties. Membership is open to staff with resource management responsibilities in HE bioscience and life sciences disciplines.
Alumni Networks
UK ITSS Herschel Programme Alumni
A growing network of 1000+ aspiring and current technical leaders who have completed the Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership. This vibrant network facilities career development opportunities and provides a space for leadership advice.
The UK ITSS Strategic Technical Leaders Network
A small group of strategic technical leaders made up of individuals who have completed the Executive Programme in Strategic Technical Leadership, delivered in partnership with Nottingham University Business School, and those in known strategic leadership roles across UK higher education and research.
Joining a technical network isn’t just about professional development – it’s about connection, confidence, and community.
Why not join one of these networks today?