Every higher education and research institution that signs up to the Technician Commitment is pledging to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for their technical community. Over half of UK universities and several research institutions have now pledged to support their technicians through the Technician Commitment. The British Geological Survey is the latest to pledge their support.
BGS is established as the UK’s premier provider of objective and authoritative geoscientific data, information and knowledge to help society to use its natural resources responsibly, manage environmental change and be resilient to environmental hazards. They instil a vision of a safer, more sustainable and prosperous planet and a future based on sound geoscientific solutions.
Nicola Atkinson, Isotope support scientist and Technician Commitment Lead, BGS, said:
“I am delighted that the British Geological Survey has become a Signatory to the Technician Commitment, to pledge recognition and support to technicians across our organisation. This recognises the valuable contribution that technicians make to our research, from producing and handling data, to running and maintaining equipment and facilities, and project administration and finances.”
Kotryna Savickaite, Geochemsitry technician, BGS, commented:
“As part of the Technician Commitment, I have been made aware of and taken part in workshops regarding it and the recent workshop from the Royal Society of Chemistry on professional registration. I have also participated in a strategy workshop which discussed issues and possible resolutions in making the BGS labs more visible both internally and externally. I think these workshops with external visitors as well as other staff help recognise the work that technicians do (both within BGS and through professional registration) and helps in developing a community between technicians as well as improving career pathways for us in the future.”
Kelly Vere MBE, Programme Director, Technician Commitment said:
“By signing up to the Technician Commitment, the British Geological Survey recognises the vital contribution of their technicians towards environmental research, data collection and producing high calibre results. We look forward to working closely with them to advance visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for their technical community.”
