Recognition

Advance HE supports technicians to gain recognition for the contribution they make to teaching and supporting learning through Advance HE fellowship. Advance HE's fellowship is recognised internationally, demonstrating commitment to world-class teaching.

At the heart of Advance HE fellowship is the Professional Standards Framework (2023), which are the professional standards and guidelines underpinning great teaching.

Develop your IT skills with a BCS qualification; improve and validate your competence and the value you bring to your organisation. Chartered IT Professional (CITP) is the independent standard of competence and professionalism in the technology industry.

For more information watch the following video or head to their webpage.

The Science Council recognises organisations that promote professional registration and development to their scientific staff through its Employer Champion programme.

For more information on the programme visit the webpage and take a look at this short film which explains more.

The Engineering Council is the UK regulatory body for the engineering profession and sets and maintains internationally recognised standards of professional competence and commitment. They licence professional bodies to award:

• Engineering Technicians (EngTech), Incorporated Engineers (IEng)
• Chartered Engineers (CEng)
• Information and Communications Technology Technicians (ICTTech)

To find out more watch a short film about the Engineering Council.

Further information on professional registration can be found here.

Professional body that awards the EngTech to qualified technicians on behalf of the Engineering Council.

The Royal Society of Chemistry is licensed to offer the professional awards of Registered Scientist (RSci) and Registered Science Technician (RSciTech), which recognise technicians’ skills, knowledge and professionalism. These registers provide independent recognition of achieving and maintaining the exacting standards required to join the global community of professional scientists. The RSC supports those considering registration with resources such as a YouTube video series and a dedicated team of professional registration specialists to offer advice, feedback and guidance on the application process.

As well as providing a clear bespoke route to registered or chartered status for employees, the RSC’s peer-reviewed accreditation provides employers with the confidence that their training and progression routes are of a recognised high standard. Accreditation helps companies to recruit and retain talented employees who are keen to develop their careers.

The Science Council’s registers provide a framework for professional values and practice throughout science careers.

They licence professional bodies to award:

• RSciTech – Registered Science Technician
• RSci – Registered Scientist
• CSci – Chartered Scientist

Further information on professional registration can be found here.

Further information on applying for professional registration can be found here.

Outstanding Technician of the Year

This award is given to an individual whose exceptional practical skills, commitment and vision have enabled the highest quality teaching, research or knowledge transfer. It is open to technicians working in any discipline in UK universities and research institutes. Entries are accepted from institutions, technicians themselves, their colleagues or students, but in all cases testimonies must form part of the supporting documentation.

2024 Winner - Jodie Chatfield, University of Nottingham - 2024 Shortlist

"We were impressed with Jodie's career journey through to her current role, leading a team of over 100 staff. She brings an open and collaborative ethos, exemplified by her outstanding work in the support of neurodivergent colleagues and the sharing of good practice with regional and national networks."

2023 Winner - Jason Daff, University of York - 2023 Shortlist

"Jason Daff is a great example of an outstanding technician who has made significant contributions to his field, his team, his institution and beyong. Along with his focus on plant research, he has initated new ways to support technical career development, and regularly volunteers his time and expertise to encourage and education the next generation of horticulturists." -THE Judging Panel

2022 Winner - Hong Lin, University of Reading - 2022 Shortlist

"Hong Lin is the embodiment of such an outstanding technician, with her exceptional achievements culminating in two major breakthroughs in 2020-21: the first cannabinoidderived medicine to become fully available to the NHS, and a COVID-19 therapy with the potential to be considered for clinical trial studies.  Hong is passionate about the visibility of the technician’s role, particularly those from underrepresented groups Hong is the linchpin of many research groups and the go-to person for advice on a number of techniques by academic colleagues and students alike across the university. Without her exceptional contributions, much of this work would not be possible." -excerpt from Hong's nomination

2021 Winner - Dr Andrew Filby, Newcastle University - 2021 Shortlist

The judging panel were really impressed by Andrew’s leadership of the university's "Innovation Methodology and Application" (IMA) research Theme in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, where his vision is helping to change research culture for colleagues, academics, technical staff, and students.

He is based in the Flow Cytometry Core Facility and his technical knowledge and expertise in the field of cytometry is especially evident. He has been able to use his specialism to develop techniques to understand the immunology of Covid-19, form international collaborations and contribute to national and international meetings.

2019 Winner - Barbara Kunz, The Open University

Geochemist Barbara Kunz was, the judges decided, the “stand-out nomination”.

“Dr Kunz embodies the very essence of the inaugural Outstanding Technician category,” our judges said. “She enables and drives research through the application of her theoretical and practical expertise and advanced equipment capabilities and experimental methodologies.”

Read our interview with her here.

Technical Support in Psychological Research Award

The award recognises the valuable role played by technicians in supporting research in psychology. It is presented in partnership between the BPS and the Association of Technical Staff in Psychology (ATSIP) and takes place annually.

ICE has five awards for newly qualified members. These awards go to members who show an exceptional standard of civil engineering knowledge in their Member or Chartered Professional Review.

IET Awards – Apprentice and Technician of the Year

These awards are to recognise individuals who stand out from their peers and are making achievements in their area of expertise. Individuals who are role models to others and are passionate about promoting engineering to the world.

Technician Award

The IOP Technician Award enables the community to recognise and celebrate the skills and experience of technicians and their contribution to physics.

With the aim of raising the professional status of technicians, the IOP Technician Award highlights the diverse role of technicians in education, research and industry.

The winner receives a prize of £1,000, a trophy and a certificate presented at the IOP annual awards dinner.  Those in the secondary school category will receive an additional £1,000 prize for their school or department.

Did you know that within the RSC Education awards, there are a number of awards suitable for technical colleagues and teams? We welcome nominations from both RSC members and non-members, and you can also nominate members and non-members for awards.

You can find out more about each of the prizes at the links below.

Horizon Prizes for Education: celebrate the ground-breaking innovations and initiatives that mark a step change in education. 

Excellence in Higher Education Prize: recognises inspirational, innovative and dedicated people working in higher education. 

Early Career Prize for Excellence in Higher Education: recognises inspirational, innovative and dedicated people in the first five years of their career in higher education. 

Team Prize for Excellence in Higher Education: recognises teams or collaborations who have had a positive impact on students in higher education. 

Nyholm Prize for Education: recognises inspirational, innovative and dedicated individuals or teams working in education. 

The Papin Prizes are the only awards dedicated to celebrating the very best technical staff and teams in academia and research.

These national awards recognise and honour the work of technicians in higher education and research.

In the last decade, these awards have continued to raise the visibility and recognition of technical professionals.

Applications are encouraged from individuals who work with technical professionals including students, staff, collaborators and alumni.

Salters’ National Awards for Science Technicians

Through its programme of awards, the Salters’ Institute champions students, educators and future leaders who are making a positive difference in and with chemistry and chemical engineering.

The awards are presented annually at the Salters’ Institute Awards Ceremony to recognise the achievement of all those in education and industry who are promoting Chemistry for Good.