Research is powered by technical talent - and recognition is finally on the rise
Briefly

The journey of a junior medical technician at the University of Nottingham transformed career prospects and education. Balancing work in a research group while studying biomedical sciences was challenging yet rewarding. The technical team was pivotal to research success, but their contributions often went unrecognized. After 25 years, now a director, there is a focus on enhancing the recognition and support for technical workers in the UK. Despite improvements in visibility and career support, significant challenges still exist for technical professionals in academia.
Being part of a research group as a junior medical technician at the University of Nottingham allowed me to balance work with part-time study in biomedical sciences.
The technical team played a vital role in the success of research, although their existence was largely unknown outside their immediate environment.
After 25 years, I am now the director of technical strategy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing technical workers in the research and education landscape.
Despite encouraging recognition and investment in technical talent in the UK, issues like limited visibility and unclear career progression for technicians persist.
Read at Nature
[
|
]