Professor Andy Filby in the Faculty of Medical Sciences has been appointed as Professor of Practice in Enabling Technologies. Professor Filby is currently Director of the Flow Cytometry Core Facility and leads the Innovation, Methodology and Applications theme which brings together academic, research and technical colleagues who have an interest in using technology to innovate and answer research questions.
His appointment as a Professor of Practice recognises and celebrates a technical member of staff successfully moving into a unique role built on their specialist expertise. This aligns with the MI TALENT Policy Commission report published last year which had several key recommendations for the HE sector focused on recognising and rewarding technical specialists.
Mel Leitch, Deputy Head of Infrastructure in the Faculty of Medical Sciences and Associate Lead, Technician Commitment said:
“The creation of a Professor of Practice shows that Newcastle University not only values those with technical skills but is open to cultural change by facilitating the progression from a technical to a professorial academic role which is sector leading”.
Professor Andy Filby said:
“It is an honour to be appointed to this ground-breaking role as a technical staff member here at Newcastle University. I would like to acknowledge my colleagues across the University, who have supported this journey. I would also like to recognise the wonderful work to change perceptions of technical staff in higher education led by the Technician Commitment, as well as the work by the University of Liverpool to create a novel pathway for technical career progression. It is my hope that both act as a foundation, beacon and catalyst to encourage other institutions to follow suit.”
Professor Joris Veltman, Dean of Newcastle University, Biosciences Institute said:
“Top biomedical research and teaching depends on access to and expertise in state-of-the-art technology. Professor Filby brings our technology expertise together and further improves technological applications in close collaboration with colleagues from the University, the NHS and importantly industry. I am very excited about this appointment!”
Dr Kelly Vere MBE, Programme Director, Technician Commitment said:
“We are delighted to learn of this innovative step taken by Newcastle University in appointing a world leading technical specialist to a Professor of Practice position. To our knowledge, this is the first appointment of its kind in the UK. Technical roles, skills and careers are essential to higher education, research and innovation - it is fantastic to see career pathways for this critical community being reimagined and progressed. We congratulate Newcastle University, a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment, on their vision and Professor Filby on his new appointment.”
Read more about technicians at Newcastle University.
