The move means UKRI will now work with the sector to consider what changes it needs to make to its funding or policy areas to meet the commitment’s challenges.
Rory Duncan, Director of Talent at UK Research and Innovation, said: “We are becoming the first funder to become a full signatory to the commitment because we support the principle that lies at its heart – that everyone in the research workplace matters.”
“There are a number of challenges facing the research sector’s technical workforce in the UK – from lack of recognition, to potential skills shortages. This is a significant step for us as we want to recognise the individual contribution that talented technicians and specialists make, while also saying that there are some really important issues here that we will be looking at much more closely.”
Kelly Vere, Higher Education Engagement Manager, Science Council and Technician Commitment Lead, said: “Technical colleagues make vital contributions to research and innovation across the UK. We're delighted to welcome UKRI as a signatory to the Technician Commitment and look forward to continuing our work together to ensure technical careers are recognised, valued, developed and aspired to as professional careers in higher education and research institutes.”
Under the terms of the commitment, UK Research and Innovation will produce an action plan by January 2021 that sets out how it will implement the commitment for the research organisations that it funds.
UK Research and Innovation will work with the sector on these proposals over the course of the year.
