Showcasing the work of our technicians
A new video highlighting the invaluable work carried out by technicians across campus was launched as part of a high-profile event held in Parkinson Court.
The Technician Exchange Event took place last month
The video, produced by and featuring colleagues at Leeds, focuses on what it means to be a technician. It was unveiled at last month’s Technician Exchange Event, which aimed to showcase the work and impact of technicians to a wider audience.
Professor Nick Plant, Dean for Research Quality and Impact, was also on hand to celebrate the success of our technicians, unveiling two plaques from the Science Council. Permanently visible in Parkinson Court, they recognise the University’s status as an Employer Champion and support of the Technician Commitment – a five-year plan to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.
The open event was attended by technicians, academics, services staff and students, who engaged, networked and discovered more about the important research and teaching activities that technicians lead and contribute towards.
Highlights included the Faculty of Biological Sciences giving visitors the chance to test their reaction times on a Batak machine, while the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences offered displays of robotics and a Lego replica of its X-Ray Spectrometer.
Visitors could network and see displays from a number of faculties and services
Other faculties’ displays included artwork, 3D printed products, projections, a CPR practice, medical models and opportunities to get insights into lab tests. A portable X-Ray fluorescence spectrometer also gave curious visitors the chance to check the purity of their jewellery and coins!
The event showcased cross-faculty collaborations and the role technicians have in supporting our sustainability goals, as well as courses and development opportunities available to technicians.
The event and the video mark the end of the initial 15 months of the five-year Technician Commitment plan. It has been a period of progress already, with more to come from your Technician Champions, OD&PL and HR along the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for the campus’ community of technicians.
For more information and to get involved, contact your local Technician Champion;
- Join in: the Technicians Exchange will be holding future events and need your ideas and input - keep an eye out for the weekly Technician Commitment email for details.
- Talk to your local Technician Champion (see above) to get involved in workshops and opportunities to chat with people away from your school or faculty.
- Catch up with relevant news and information through the newsletter, Technically Speaking, which can be found on For Staff and Twitter.
- Contact Sam Crossley in OD&PL or your Technician Champion to express your interest in continuous professional development opportunities and get support with the process.