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 seven years.
Having a category recognising excellence in technical careers as part of such prestigious higher education awards supports the Technician Commitment’s aims to drive visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technical staff 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 during the 2023-24 academic year. It is open to technicians working in any discipline in UK or Irish universities and research institutes. Entries will be accepted from institutions, technicians themselves, their colleagues or students, but in all cases testimonies must form part of the supporting documentation.
Submissions may address some or all of the following:
- A technician's essential contribution to a project or ongoing piece of work. How was the impact evaluated?
- How the nominee works with academics, students and others to build a strong working environment in which all parties thrive. If innovations or efficiencies have been delivered, tell us how this has been done.
- 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?
- 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.
The THE Awards are open to anyone involved in higher education across the UK and Ireland. Nominations are open now until Monday 9 June and the winners will be revealed at an evening awards ceremony on Thursday 13 November 2025 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
For the first time, this year includes a fee for entries. The fee will be £100 per entry for the first five entries from a single institution, at which point a cap will be applied, so whether your institution submits five or 25 entries, the total charge will not exceed £500. 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.
The reasons for bringing in this charge and advice on ensuring your institution pays the minimum amount can be found on this page.
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.
Visit the THE Awards website to learn more.
View past winners here.
Watch our interview with last year's winner, Jodie Chatfield from the University of Nottingham:
