浪花直播

Dr Helen Pain, CEO of the 浪花直播

RSC chief executive Dr Helen Pain has lauded technical staff as the 'backbone of UK science' as the sector marks eight years since the launch of the Technician Commitment.

The initiative was launched in 2017 to ensure technicians are recognised, supported and celebrated for the essential role they play in universities, laboratories and research institutions.

Since then, more than 100 organisations have signed up, including major universities, public research bodies and professional societies. Many now include technicians in strategic planning and workforce development.

Dr Pain - who is now chairs the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy鈥檚 (ITSS) Advisory Board and was previously Chair of the Technician Commitment Steering Board - said the sector had seen a 鈥渜uiet but profound shift鈥� in attitudes towards technical professionals.

Technicians are the backbone of UK science. Their expertise is vital to education, research and innovation.

Dr Helen Pain

"The Technician Commitment was launched eight years ago to celebrate their contribution and to ensure they have the recognition and support they deserve. Since then, we have seen a quiet but profound shift in attitudes towards technical professionals.

"The 浪花直播 was proud to be an early supporter, and five years ago, we launched our action plan to help universities, research institutions and industry place technicians at the forefront of what they do.

"Just like then, our approach is based on four pillars 鈥� visibility, recognition, career development, and sustainability 鈥� and we will keep working to ensure the contributions of these key staff are acknowledged."

Progress across the sector continues to grow. More technicians are gaining professional recognition by achieving Registered Science Technician status, accessing new development opportunities and progressing into leadership roles in teaching and research.

The RSC has been a key advocate, developing professional registration routes, training frameworks and for technicians in the chemical sciences, as well as offering funding.

As well as putting in significant effort herself, Dr Pain also recognised the role of past RSC leaders in supporting the initiative and getting buy-in from stakeholders across the chemistry and wider scientific communities.

She believes more can still be done but is pleased with the progress already made thus far.

"Thanks to contributions from the likes of our former Presidents Dame Carol Robinson and Sir John Holman, the Commitment has gone from strength to strength," she said. "It is so encouraging to see so many institutions have now signed up and are building a shared vision for change."

She added: "We have made strong progress since 2017 and I am proud to see what has already been achieved. Now we must keep building on that success to support every technician."

• Read more about the RSC's efforts to support the Technician Commitment