Registrations are now open for the fifth UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS) which is being held at The Oculus, University of Warwick and is sponsored by Midlands Innovation, in partnership with the Science Council and Technician Commitment.
For the first time, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has partnered with HETS and the acclaimed Papin Prizes, the national awards which celebrate outstanding technicians and teams across 10 categories.
The 2023 summit is open to technicians of all levels and disciplines and will include workshops, with a mix of sessions around hot topics, learning and development opportunities and sessions delivered by technicians, with plenty of networking opportunities.
Helen Turner, Director for Midlands Innovation said: “We’re working to make HETS 2023 another valuable event for technicians across all disciplines and we have listened to feedback from the community to shape the event programme. We intend to offer more workshop sessions on a broader range of topics and more delivered by technicians.
“As well as offering professional development opportunities and networking with the wider technician network, the Papin Prizes will be presented across 10 categories celebrating the best technicians working in research and teaching. These awards are nominated by research managers and academics, strengthening recognition and visibility of technicians in the wider research community.”
Frances Burstow, Interim Director of Talent and Skills at UKRI, said: “Technicians are a vital community which we need to support, they bring essential expertise, providing intellectual input and technical skills to the solving of research and innovation challenges. HETS provides a platform and a space to celebrate technicians of all levels and disciplines for their skills and knowledge, which is why we are happy to partner with Midlands Innovation on this initiative.”
Professor Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor for the University of Warwick added: “We’re delighted to be hosting the fifth HETS in Warwick, having hosted a previous event in 2017. In-person events like this are important for technicians to build networks, share best practice and celebrate successes. We look forward to welcoming technicians from across the UK onto our campus for this biennial event.”
The 2023 summit builds on the success of four previous summits held at Nottingham in 2021 and 2015, Birmingham in 2019, and Warwick in 2017.
Registrations are now open for the free event for technicians of all levels and disciplines. Click here to register.
