This was the 14th signatory event hosted by Technician Commitment. The event welcomed 80+ delegates representing 70 universities, research institutions and supporter organisations, at Riddel Hall, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).
Technician Commitment Programme Lead, Dr Kelly Vere MBE opened the event presenting the latest Technician Commitment updates, welcoming new signatories and supporters, key dates for the Times Higher Education Outstanding Technician of the Year Award and upcoming funding opportunities from the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy (UK ITSS). Many thanks to Professor Alan Stitt, Dean of Innovation & Impact, QUB for his warm welcome to Belfast. He shared the value of Belfast’s highly skilled technicians who analyse community retinal scans for early diagnosis and reflects on the progress and impact of the Technician Commitment at QUB.
Duncan Shermer, Head of REF Evaluation and Development introduced Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 with an update on the People, Culture and Environment (PCE) pilot. Professor Hugh McKenna, Ulster University and REF 2029 Research Diversity Advisory Panel Member presented on the value of linking research enabling teams to the Evaluation and Impact portion of REF 2029. An insightful Q&A session followed this talk with topics covering representativeness, research diversities and practicalities for Technician Commitment leads to ensure technical output is considered in REF 2029.
Sarah Allen, Technical Careers Manager, UK ITSS, provided an update on the UK ITSS Career Pathways Action Group. She was joined by Lizzy James, Director of Faculty Operations, Northumbria University and Phill Dodd-Chandler, Senior Technical & Facilities Manager, University of Salford who shared the progress on their collaborative career pathway projects.
We then heard best practice updates from
- Nik Ogryzko, Senior Talent Programme Manager, UKRI
- Gillian Riddell and Dermot Barry, All-Ireland Network
- Amelia Dingley, The Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES)
- Natalie Homer, Research Technical Professionals: Recognising Leadership & Expertise (RELAX) in technical specialists
The rest of the afternoon included interactive discussions on future-proofing our universities for technical professionals led by Mel Leitch, Associate Lead, Technician Commitment and regional mapping of Technician Commitment signatories by Clare Stevenson, Associate Lead, Technician Commitment.
An early evening drinks and networking reception was hosted at Isdell Courtyard. Joined by Professor Archie Clements, PVC for Research & Enterprise, QUB and Heather Burgess, FHEA, Embroidery Technician, Ulster University, our very own Kelly Vere convened submission and impact awards to institutions who have submitted action plans and self-assessments since our last event.
Many thanks to all who attended our first event In Northern Ireland. We appreciate those who were able to travel to Belfast and join us for the day. The next signatory event will take place in London on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Registrations will be made available this summer.
See the presentations here.
Find out more about the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy.
