1st Edition
Technicians in Higher Education and Research An Insight into Technical Careers, Roles and Contributions
Dedicated to the technical talent underpinning research, teaching and innovation within universities and research institutes, this book highlights the vital contributions of technicians to the higher education and research sector.
Exploring the varied definitions of the technical role and recent developments in the professional landscape, this book brings together a diverse set of contributors who each discuss their unique, first-hand and authentic perspectives on this crucial community. Initial chapters cover the varied definitions of the technical role, explore the current demographics of this workforce and provide a history of the origins of the profession. The book continues to explore broad themes that are key components of the roles of the modern-day technician including teaching, research, leading core facilities, health and safety, procurement, environmental sustainability and research culture. It concludes by looking to the future and explores recent developments in the landscape for the technical community and the work underway to engage the public with technical roles and careers, challenging perceptions and stereotypes about the roles of technicians.
Written in an accessible style, this essential volume shines a light on this understudied group to raise the profile of technical careers, roles and contributions, and to ensure sector-wide insights into this invisible workforce. It is a must-read for aspiring and current technicians across all disciplines, education and research leaders, managers and policymakers.
1. Defining technicians; 2. Behind the laboratory doors: A brief history of technicians; 3. Technicians as educators; 4. Research technician or technical researcher?; 5. Technical staff in core facilities: Ensuring sustainability of technology, expertise and efficient sharing; 6. The role of technicians in health and safety; 7. Technicians and procurement; 8. Technicians and environmental sustainability; 9. Accreditation/professional registration for technicians and the role of professional bodies in supporting the technician community; 10. Research culture: a technician lens; 11. Changing the culture for technicians: UK sector and policy developments; 12. Engaging the public with the world of technicians: The Gatsby way and its technician mission; 13. The next chapter: Driving further recognition, status, and opportunity for the technical profession in higher education and research
Biography
Kelly Vere, MBE, is the Director of Technical Strategy at the University of Nottingham. She is a passionate advocate for technical skills, roles and careers in higher education and research. She founded and leads the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy and the Technician Commitment.
‘This book provides a unique window on the technical workforce in our HEIs and RIOs, celebrating their diversity and their many contributions to the success of research and innovation, and in the economy and our public services. I hope that the inspiring content in this book will shine a light on the fantastic range of technical careers available in the research and innovation system.'
- Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive, UK Research and Innovation and Regius Professor of Botany, University of Cambridge
