Celebrating a Day of Sustainability and Collaboration through the lens of a technician: Highlights from Our Queen’s Technicians Networking Event, 1 November 2023

Technicians from across the University gathered in the Peter Froggatt Centre, on Wednesday 1^st November 2023. With Sustainability and the pivotal role of technicians in our university community at the forefront of discussion, the event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, each shedding light on the critical role we play as Technicians, University staff, colleagues and individuals.

Speakers included:

Prof Michael Alcorn, Associate PVC Sustainability & Strategic Projects, QUB

“We’ve launched our Net Zero Plan – now what?”

Michael gave us a powerful overview of Queen’s sustainability plans, inspiring our technicians to continue to be involved. He explained his experience as a conductor really helps with his Sustainability role, in recognising that everyone has a part to play, and can contribute to the overall production.

Through an interactive Menti-meter quiz it was encouraging to find that 78% of attendees voted ‘I’d like to do more!’ when it comes to Sustainability.

Whilst discussing the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), Professor Alcorn announced that Queen’s successfully increased from having 12 labs participating in the LEAF programme in 2021-2022, there are now 31 labs participating overall in 2022-2023.

“The success of the LEAF programme has been, and continues to be, because of the role of our technicians!”

Dr Simon Breeden, Associate Lead Technician Commitment

“Technician Commitment and the UK ITSS: Progress, Impact and Alignment”

Simon updated our technicians on the Technician Commitment and the recently established UK Institute of Technical Skills and Strategy, which aims to further establish UK universities as global leaders in Science, Engineering and the Creative Industries.  The mission is to accelerate and fulfil the potential of technician skills and careers in Higher Education.

Prof Judy Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, QUB

“Developing, evidencing and enhancing your Teaching and Learning excellence – the important role of technical staff.”

Speaking to the Queen’s Technicians Prof Judy Williams said, “I know what a difference you make to education in Queen’s!”

Explaining her role in setting up an Institution of Teaching and Learning in Manchester and a plan to do something similar in Queen’s - Judy expressed her wish to further enhance the student experience and asked our technicians what would help to further develop their contribution to teaching and learning.  As a Principle Fellow of Advance HE Judy is extremely keen to enable our technicians to gain recognition for their crucial roles.

Dr Nik Ogryzko, Talent Programme Manager, UKRI Talent Team

“How can research funding support the Technical community?”

Nik noted how the UKRI Talent Team plan to support technicians by encouraging greater visibility and inclusion on grant applications. Nik discussed the challenges for different staff groups in an academic institution and he explained how we definitely don’t want to end up like “big Mike”, and avoid thinking that one size fits all.  We need to encourage a positive and diverse Research Culture that recognises the value of those in all roles and from all backgrounds. We need to ensure there are clear career pathways, to include both academic and vocational routes.

Catrin Harris, Technical Community Research Fellow for the Talent Project

“Exploring the technician experience: MI talent reports on Research Culture, Teaching and Health & Safety”.

Catrin summarised the findings from 3 MI Talent technician reports, giving technicians a voice in extremely important areas of HE.

Links to each talk below:

Professor Michael Alcorn - Sustainability 

Dr Simon Breeden - Technician Commitment and the UK ITSS 

Professor Judy Williams - Developing, evidencing and enhancing your T&L excellence 

Dr Nik Ogryzko - How can research funding support the technical community 

Catrin Harris - Exploring the technician experience

Furthermore, the networking event was about forging connections and building a sense of unity among our technician community. The delicious lunch provided an opportunity to network and share ideas.

As we reflect on this day, we see a shared commitment to Sustainability and a strengthened network of technicians dedicated to making our university more environmentally responsible. We are pleased to share information and updates on our continued engagement with the Technician Commitment and all the benefits and support this provides across the HE sector. We hope the impact of this event will echo through our work and the positive changes we can make in both our professional and personal lives.

We want to express our sincere gratitude to our guest speakers, and all the participants who made this day unforgettable.

Stay tuned for more collaborative efforts and initiatives as we continue to work together.