The annual Times Higher Education (THE) Awards celebrate excellence across UK higher education. The Technician Commitment has proudly sponsored the category of Outstanding Technician the Year for the past eight years.
National recognition of technical excellence in higher education supports the Technician Commitment’s aims to drive visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for the technical workforce and careers.
This award will be given to an individual whose exceptional practical skills, commitment and vision have enabled the highest quality teaching, research or knowledge transfer. It is open to technical professionals working in any discipline in UK or Irish higher education institution.
Entries will be accepted from institutions, technicians themselves, their colleagues or students, but, in all cases, testimonies must form part of the supporting documentation. View the full entry guidelines here.
Submissions may address some or all of the following:
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A technician's essential contribution to a project or ongoing piece of work. How was the impact evaluated?
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How the nominee works with academics, students and others to build a strong working environment in which all parties thrive.
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If innovations or efficiencies have been delivered, tell us how this has been done.
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Beyond the day-to-day role, has the nominee been involved in building a strong community of technicians within an institution, or undertaken other activities in line with the aims of the Technician Commitment?
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Does the nominee represent technical staff on institutional committees or boards? If so, explain how they have successfully brought the technician's voice to its decision-making.
Nominations are open now until Monday 8th June at 23:55.
The shortlist will be published on Thursday 3rd September and winners will be revealed at an evening awards ceremony on Thursday 26th November 2026 at The Vox, Birmingham.
Like in 2025, there is an institutional entry fee of £100 per entry for the first five entries – but this is capped at £500, so institutions will not pay more £500 regardless of whether they submit five entries or 25 entries. For the entry system to recognise that submissions are from a single institution, and therefore apply the price cap where necessary, please ensure your entries are submitted via a single THE Awards account. Click here to read more about pricing and how to ensure your institution doesn’t pay more than necessary.
Do you work with a technician whose hard work, innovation and collaboration deserves recognition? Are you that technician? If so, we strongly encourage you to apply.
Learn more on the THE Awards website.
Listen to our podcast interview with last year’s winner, Jiteen Ahmed
