Support for Technicians
Loughborough University was one of the founding signatories of the Technician Commitment in 2017. The commitment is a university and research institution initiative, supported by the Science Council and Technicians Make It Happen Campaign.
Loughborough Technical Commitment Plan:
Working to address Technician visibility, career development, sustainability and recognition, Loughborough University has drawn up a Technician Commitment ‘Plan on a Page’.
" Technicians are a vital part of the Loughborough University community. You are central to the support of students and research. I am delighted to be part of the team putting structure, support and visibility to the work technicians do.
Vice-Chancellor (VC) Nick Jennings
CB, FREng, FRS, Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University
TALENT
The TALENT Commission report has been assembled which is the result of 20 months of research, stakeholder engagement and evidence gathering. It has a series of targeted recommendations for employers and sets out a vision for the future of the UK’s technical talent.
UK ITSS
Funded by Research England and a range of sector stakeholders, the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy was established in August of 2023 and is home of the Technician Commitment and builds on the work of the TALENT Programme. ITSS actively advocates for the technical community in higher education, research and innovation. Accelerating and advancing technical skills and careers through insights, influence, innovation and integration.
MITalent
MI TALENT was a project which led and influenced change to advance status and opportunity for technical skills, roles and careers in UK higher education and research. It was funded by Research England from 2020 until February 2025.It was led by the Midlands Innovation (MI) consortium of eight universities in collaboration with key stakeholder and industry partners.It was the largest ever investment into technicians in higher education, whose specialist skills often go unrecognised, despite the crucial role they play in the success of universities and the growth of the UK economy.
Publications and best practice training materials from the TALENT Programme are available to help universities and research institutes champion and strengthen their technical workforce. You can access them all at TALENT Programme Legacy Resources - UK ITSS.
Technicians make it happen
The technician commitment is led by university and research institutions with support from industries. Universities sign up and make a pledge to tackle key challenges with affect their technical staff, aiming to recognise highlight and support the vital role technicians play within universities.
Technician Newsletters
These newsletters share the latest technical updates: