The Technician Commitment is a university and research institution initiative, led by a steering board of sector bodies, with support from the Science Council and the Technicians Make It Happen campaign.
Swansea University and HDRUK join signatories such as Heriot Watt University and the University of Sussex in their aim to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.
Professor Biagio Lucini, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research Culture, and Technician Commitment Lead, said:
Swansea University is proud to become a signatory of the Technician Commitment. Our Technicians and technical staff are vital to university life, as their hard work allows us to deliver world-class research, gold-standard teaching, and a strong student experience. Thanks to their invaluable efforts and wealth of knowledge, we're able to positively impact people's lives within the local community and beyond. Through the Technician Commitment, we pledge our continued support for our technical colleagues.
Gerry Reilly, HDR UK Technologist in Residence who signed the commitment on behalf of The Institute, said:
This is exactly the community I come from, so I am very much aware that technicians are the bedrock of the health data research that bring benefits to patient’s lives. They are unsung heroes of research. Their contribution is often undervalued and their career pathways unclear. HDR UK is excited to be part of the Technicians Commitment so we can all work together to shine a light on the amazing contribution from this community and to ensure that the serious challenges on skills, recognition and career pathways can be addressed.
Kelly Vere MBE, Higher Education Engagement Manager, Science Council and Technician Commitment Lead, said:
We are delighted to welcome HDRUK and Swansea University to the Technician Commitment community. We’re so pleased with the progress we have collectively made across the sector and we are looking forward to working with both institutions to advance visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for their technical community.
