The award, sponsored by the Technician Commitment, recognises Jiteen’s transformative leadership style and the way he combines practical skill with a clear vision for how technical services can empower teaching, research and innovation.
He has redeveloped Aston University’s Pharmacy Laboratory into an award-winning facility which has been recognised as best practice in the sector, created career development opportunities for the technical workforce, and helped advocate for technicians nationally through the TALENT Commission and Southern Universities Procurement Forum.
Jiteen Ahmed, Head of Technical Services at Aston University said: “This award means so much to me but is a culmination of everyone who has taught me so much, inspired me to do better, and supported me all the way, so to me, this award is everyone’s award as a result.”
He successfully secured £1.5 million funding from Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) as a co-applicant, was granted patent, and has been authored on research articles.
Throughout his career, Jiteen has championed other technicians and helped to amplify technical voices at Aston University whilst embedding new, clearer career pathways to ensure career development opportunities for others. He collaborates across the university to improve and enhance academic and student needs. Jiteen has also received multiple honours including the Chancellor’s Medal (2020) and the One Aston Award (2024).
Kelly Vere MBE, Programme Lead for Technician Commitment said: "Congratulations to Jiteen, who is a deserving winner of this year’s Outstanding Technician of the Year Award. The impact of Jiteen’s work extends well beyond Aston University, having contributed to the Research England-funded TALENT Commission report and the five-year TALENT programme, as well as shaping Aston’s technical workforce and culture and influential national conversations on sustainable procurement.
“His approach to leadership and commitment to improving opportunities for others has been transformational and nationally significant. This award is testament to his knowledge and expertise.
“As ever, the standard of nominees was incredibly high, and it’s a challenge to select just one winner from eight shortlisted, who are all deserving of recognition.”
Technician Commitment has proudly sponsored the Outstanding Technician of the Year award for seven years to raise the profile and visibility of technical professionals in the sector.
Meet the other technicians shortlisted for this year’s Outstanding Technician of the Year Award:
- Helena Brown, University of Leeds
- Phil Chaplain, Robert Gordon University
- Dr Alex Laude, Newcastle University
- Linda Lightley, Northumbria University
- John Nicolson, University of Cambridge
- Joe Rees-Jones, University of York
- Kate Robinson, Harper Adams University
