The Inter-MRC Technician Symposium is an important part of our obligation to the career development of technicians. As signees of the Technician Commitment, we strive to ensure that the contribution of technicians is always visible and recognised, that technicians have a clear, documented career pathway and that the technical skills within the department are fully utilised and sustainable. By bringing together technicians across the MRC core institutes, we aim to highlight both their work and career paths. This allows everyone to learn about the full extent of the work done by technicians across the institute and learn about the different opportunities available to technicians. 

The day was kicked off with a welcome talk by our Director, Professor Wiebke Arlt. In the talk Wiebke highlighted the importance of technical staff in facilitating the research carried out at the LMS. To demonstrate her point, Wiebke pointed to her own experience working with technicians and the vital role their expertise has played in her own career. While emphasising the importance of technicians in the development of research staff, while acknowledging that there is still work to be done with regards to career progression opportunities. 

Combating this challenge is a key aim of the Symposium. Throughout the day there was a running theme of career development. During the flash talks we heard from speakers from job roles varying from microscopy specialists to sustainability managers among many more. An interesting aspect of these talks was the diversity of paths taken by the speakers, with some having left formal education before A levels, and others having PhDs. Following on from these talks was an engaging workshop on career development led by Sarah Allen from MI Talent. After lunch, the technicians toured the facilities at the LMS. taking the opportunity to explore the equipment and workings of the LMS facilities.  

“The 2024 Inter-MRC Symposium was a real triumph! I was particularly inspired by the flash talks delivered by our technical staff—an incredible showcase of voices over all three institutes that often don’t get the spotlight they deserve,” says Ivan Andrew, genomics specialist and one of the event organisers, “The facility tours and research support discussions were another highlight, offering a unique opportunity to shine a light on the ‘behind-the-scenes’ activities that power the LMS as a leading research institute. It was a day to celebrate the unsung heroes and the remarkable environment that drives our scientific excellence!” 

Technicians are key for the success of science so empowering technicians is vital for research organisations which want to thrive. From managing facilities to training new staff, technical staff form a cornerstone both in the collection of data and in the preservation of knowledge within skills.  

Although there is work to be done regarding the career progression and training of technicians, this is being addressed by a pioneering new programme for technician training at the LMS. The Science Technology Graduate Scheme is targeted at recent undergraduates from diverse backgrounds. The programme lasts two years and will equip graduates with high level technical and scientific training through working across our eight state-of-the-art research facilities. Through this the LMS hope to encourage more science graduates from diverse backgrounds into technical careers. 

Ourt congratulations go to the Technicians Committee at the LMS for organising this fantastic symposium. 

We hope all the attendees enjoyed the symposium and are looking forward to the next one as much as we are!