By signing onto this programme, ACS reinforces its dedication to the recognition, visibility, and professional development of technical staff within the scientific community, particularly in the fields of cytometry and biomedical research.
The Technician Commitment is an internationally recognised programme that aims to support and enhance the roles of technical staff in research and academia. ACS joins over 120 organisations worldwide, including Australia’s Children’s Cancer Institute and the University of Sydney, who have committed to advancing the initiative’s four key pillars: visibility, recognition, career development, and sustainability.
“As President of the ACS, I’m excited to share that we’ve signed on as a supporter of the Technician Commitment,” said Dr Maggie Wang, current President of the Australian Cytometry Society. “This initiative is about recognising the vital role that technicians, including many ACS members, play in advancing scientific research. By joining, we’re showing our commitment to supporting technicians' professional growth, improving career opportunities, and ensuring their contributions are valued. This is an important step in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all of us in the scientific community.”
Dr Simon Breeden, Associate Lead, Technician Commitment added: "The importance of the technical community in delivering world class research and teaching is well recognised across the globe. By formally supporting the Technician Commitment, the Australasian Cytometry Society is confirming its support of this critical group of staff who are central to so much cytometry and biomedical research. We are delighted to welcome the first professional society in Australia to our global community and very much look forward to working with them to advance visibility, recognition and opportunity for the technical community."
The commitment ACS has made mirrors that of other pioneering institutions, like the Children’s Cancer Institute, which is working to embed the Technician Commitment into its strategic framework over the next 12–18 months. Rob Salomon, Technology Innovation Platform Lead at the Children’s Cancer Institute and President-elect of the Australian Cytometry Society, emphasised the significance of this step: “Successfully fulfilling these pledges will help technical skills, roles, and careers be recognised, understood, developed, respected, and aspired to; this is absolutely essential if we are to continue to improve outcomes for children with cancer.”
Through this commitment, ACS will focus on:
- Visibility – Enhancing the recognition of technicians within the society and the broader scientific community.
- Recognition – Supporting technicians in achieving professional milestones, such as registration and awards, that underscore their critical roles.
- Career Development – Providing clear pathways for career progression, ensuring that technical staff can develop their skills and advance professionally.
- Sustainability of Skills – Ensuring that the society’s technical expertise remains robust and that technical staff are empowered to contribute at the highest level.
By leading the way in Australia, ACS hopes to inspire other scientific societies and organisations to join the Technician Commitment and further support the vital contributions of technical staff to research and education.
About the Australasian Cytometry Society
The Australasian Cytometry Society is dedicated to promoting excellence in cytometry and advancing research through education, resources, and networking opportunities. ACS is committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where technical staff and researchers alike can thrive. For more information, visit www.cytometry.org.au.
