Martin Cowie is the Technical Resources Manager in the School of Biological Sciences.
On the 18th of November, I was delighted to be able to represent the University of Aberdeen at the 2024 Technician Commitment Signatory Event held at the Royal College of Pathologists in Whitechapel, London. The event brought together technical managers and representatives from many of the 120+ signatory institutions and partners.
The Technician Commitment is working to champion technicians, recognising their contribution to higher education and research and driving cultural change.
There are four key challenges in the Technician Commitment:
- Visibility
- Recognition
- Career Development
- Sustainability
The Technician Commitment was launched in 2017 and the University of Aberdeen first became a signatory in 2018. Each Signatory Institution is required to periodically submit an updated report identifying progress. The University of Aberdeen currently have an established working group updating our action plan and self-assessment for submission in January.
Attending the event gave me a good opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who hold similar roles to mine as Technical Manager. As such, we were able to share best practice and discuss challenges in each of our institutions and across the higher education/research sector as a whole. It was interesting that we all face similar challenges and hurdles to overcome and there are significant benefits to the technical community from us all working in partnership.
During the day, there were presentations, opportunities for group discussions and chances to network and meet new people. As part of the agenda, there was an update on the Technician Commitment; discussions around the establishment of a Technician Commitment index, scoring institutions against markers for progress; an update from the Institute of Technical Skills and Strategy (ITSS) and an introduction to local networks where people can work together within their geographical location, with one group covering Scotland.
After a short break and a chance for a quick stroll to grab some of the London air, the day continued with an evening social event which allowed for further networking opportunities and a chance to celebrate Technical Achievements with a prize giving recognising best practice across signatory institutions and individuals. Unfortunately, this year, there was no prize to collect for the University of Aberdeen, but it gives us all something to strive for at future events.
The day ended with a book launch for ‘Technicians in Higher Education and Research’ edited by Kelly Vere, which was introduced by Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation.
It was an early start and a very long but enjoyable day. The venue was perfect for the event, and we were all looked after very well, the catering in particular was excellent, and we were never going to go hungry or thirsty. I was slightly nervous initially as it seemed that everyone knew each other well from previous events but I wasn’t the only newcomer, and I quickly met others who were similarly apprehensive. During the group sessions, I had the opportunity to work alongside representatives from Herriot Watt University, Glasgow School of Art, University of Leeds, Imperial College London and the Institute of Cancer Research amongst others.
I was delighted to have been able to attend the event and took back learnings and ideas from the various presentations and group discussions to share with colleagues. It is important for the University of Aberdeen to be represented at these events, and it demonstrates our renewed commitment to the development of our research and teaching technical staff.
The next step for the University of Aberdeen will be to submit our self-assessment and action plan which will steer our Technician Commitment efforts over the next three years.
Further information on the Technician Commitment can be found at: About us | Technicians
