ALT Don’t miss these training opportunities for technical professionals in 2026

ALT WinterFest – 12–23 January: Online learning festival for technical professionals delivered by UK ITSS Learning & Development Academy. RSB Training Courses – 22 January: Courses in Aseptic Techniques and Cell Culture: The Basics at the University of York – special bundle offer available for booking onto both courses. RSB Training Courses – 28-29 April: Courses in Microscopy & Microbiology and ELISA at Brunel University, London

ALT SpringFest – 11–22 May: Online learning festival for technical professionals delivered by UK ITSS Learning & Development Academy. RSB Training Courses – 10 June: Courses in Aseptic Techniques and Cell Culture: The Basics at the University of York – special bundle offer available for booking onto both courses ITSS Learning & Development Academy: New expert-led course offerings throughout 2026, with prices starting from £0 and flexible learning options

ALT Dates for your diary in 2026

ALT 12–23 January: UK ITSS WinterFest, Online. 9 February: Collaboration Fund application deadline – Details on our website. 27–29 March: TMU Annual Conference, Calman Learning Centre, Durham University. 28–29 April: UK Technology Specialists Network Conference, Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon.

ALT 11–22 May: UK ITSS SpringFest, Online. 2 June: Technician Commitment Signatory Event, London. 1 July: Technicians in Partnership Conference, Newcastle University.

ALT Photo of 14 technicians sat around 2 tables taking part in a workshop. Text reads: 'Looking back at 2025'. Technician Commitment logo.

ALT Text reads '8 new signatories'. Logos of the 8 new signatories arranged alphabetically: Bath Spa University; Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University; Malaghan Institute of Medical Research; Monash University; The Pirbright Institute; University of Cumbria; University of Westminster; University of Westminster.

ALT Text reads '7 new supporters'. Logos of the 7 new supporter organisations arranged alphabetically: Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare; Association of Technical Staff in Psychology; The Chartered Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences; Institution of Chemical Engineers; University Biosciences Managers Association; Society for the Environment; University Vocational Awards Council.

ALT Text reads: '2 successful signatory events bringing together almost 200 signatory and supporter leads from across our community'. 2 photos showing all delegates who attended each of the 2 signatory events.

ALT Text reads: 'New supporter announcement: The Institution of Chemical Engineers Joins the Technician Commitment'. The Institution of Chemical Engineera (IChemE) logo. Decorative image of test tubes containing assorted colourful liquids.

ALT Collaboration Fund Now Open. Grants of between £100–1000 available

ALT What is the Collaboration Fund? A small grants scheme that funds collaborative projects between Technician Commitment signatory institutions and external partners that advance the aims of the Technician Commitment Who can apply? Any staff member at a Technician Commitment signatory organisation. Collaborating external organisations do not need to be signatories. How much funding is on offer? Up to 5 grants ranging between £100–1000 each. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis. Swipe for funding criteria & application process

ALT Your project is a collaboration with any UK-based external partner(s) – they don’t have to be a Technician Commitment signatory. The project will take place between 1 April and 31 December 2026 Your institution is a signatory to the Technician Commitment Your project advances at least 1 pillar of the Technician Commitment: Visibility, Recognition, Career Development and Sustainability Eligibility checklist More details on our website

ALT To apply, complete the application form by 9 February 2026. Questions? See our website for more information or contact Clare Stevenson at tc@itss.org.uk

ALT Group photo of all 110 technicians who attended the November 2025 Technician Commitment signatory event

ALT Jiteen Ahmed, Head of Technical Services in the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University, stands centre-stage at the Times Higher Education Awards ceremony, holding his Outstanding Technician of the Year Award trophy, flanked by Technician Commitment Programme Lead Kelly Vere MBE and one of the THE Award judges. s. All three are dressed in formal evening wear. Behind them, a large screen displays a photograph of Jiteen alongside bold text reading “Outstanding Technician of the Year – Winner: Jiteen Ahmed, Aston University"

ALT Collage celebrating the 8 nominees shortlisted for the 2025 Times Higher Education Outstanding Technician of the Year Award. Top row: Phil Chaplain, Engineering Services Manager and Health & Safety Coordinator in the School of Computing, Engineering & Technology at Robert Gordon University. Second row (left to right): Linda Lightley, Scientific Officer in the School of Design at Northumbria University; Jiteen Ahmed, Head of Technical Services in the College of Health & Life Sciences at Aston University; Alex Laude, Head of Biomedical Research Facilities at Newcastle University. Third row (left to right): Helena Brown, Technical Specialist in the School of Earth & Environment at University of Leeds; John Nicolson, Technician Development Adviser at University of Cambridge. Bottom row (left to right): Joe Rees-Jones, Research Technician in the School of Physics, Engineering & Technology at University of York; Kate Robinson, Ruminant Section Manager at Harper Adams University’s Future Farm