The growing importance of technical staff in higher education
In university settings, technical staff have long been described as the silent engine that keeps classrooms, laboratories and research projects running. Yet that description falls short. Technical staff are increasingly occupying the middle of the operation – they design experiments, lead teaching modules, and help translate research findings into tangible applications. The University of Kent’s recent spotlight on Joanna Scamp, Technical Manager for the Technician Commitment, illustrates how this shift is being embraced at a leading research institution.
From support to core research partners
Traditionally, technical assistants were categorized as support staff, focusing on installing equipment and troubleshooting machinery. That view ignores the fact that many technical professionals are qualified researchers, capable of publishing papers and securing funding. At Kent, technical staff routinely co‑author papers, contribute to grant proposals, and even spearhead their own projects. For example, Michael van Ginneken has submitted five research papers in a single day – a testament to the research depth that technical staff bring to the university.
Leading teaching and sustainable innovation
Technical staff do more than manage equipment; they design bespoke laboratory sessions and assess student work, thereby strengthening the practical element of curricula. They also serve as Health and Safety coordinators, providing essential training for both staff and students. Projects such as the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) show how technical staff can drive sustainability initiatives, a priority for research funding agencies and a key driver of institutional reputation.
The Technician Commitment at the University of Kent
In 2017 the university formally adopted the Technician Commitment, a pledge to enhance the visibility, recognition, career development, and sustainability of technical careers. This framework mirrors national efforts to raise the profile of technicians and offers a structured pathway for progression within academia.
Founding principles and milestones
The commitment is built on five pillars: recognition, development, inclusion, safety, and collaboration. The university’s Stage 3 self‑assessment and the 2024‑2027 strategy action plan document concrete progress, ranging from the appointment of technical managers to the embedding of EDI frameworks into national technical networks.
Key initiatives and successes
Through its working group, the university brings together technical staff, academic leaders, and external partners to champion initiatives such as the EPSRC‑funded Strategic Technical Platform, T‑PIKE. By integrating the Technical Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network, Kent ensures that programs are accessible to people with disabilities and promote gender balance in leadership roles. Recent awards, like the School of Natural Sciences Bronze Award for the LEAF framework, underscore the effectiveness of these efforts.
Why technical careers matter for students and the university
Enhancing employability and student experience
Students benefit from direct interaction with experienced technicians who can guide them through complex experiments and provide mentorship. Exposure to real‑world technical problems improves problem‑solving skills and makes graduates more attractive to employers. Additionally, technical staff’s involvement in curriculum design ensures that coursework remains up‑to‑date with industry standards.
Driving research productivity and industry collaboration
Technical staff’s role as reliable hands behind research grants translates into higher publication output and stronger funding success rates. By partnering with local industry and national research consortia, they apply laboratory innovations directly to societal challenges, thereby reinforcing the university’s contribution to regional economic growth.
Opportunities for aspiring technicians
Pathways into technical roles
Those interested in a technical career can start by gaining practical qualifications, such as a Level 3 Technician Certificate, and pursuing further studies in applied sciences or engineering. The university offers apprenticeships, T‑Levels, and trainee pathways that integrate academic learning with hands‑on work in research labs.
Development and advancement
Continuous professional development is essential. Kent’s Technician Commitment promotes opportunities for staff to attend national conferences, secure doctoral sponsorship, and lead project management roles. By participating in national networks like the UK Technical Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network, technicians gain visibility and access to mentorship programs.
Getting involved today
Whether you’re a seasoned technical professional or an aspiring technician, the University of Kent offers a dynamic environment where your skills can grow and impact the wider community. Engage with the Technician Commitment Working Group, attend a T‑PIKE workshop, or explore apprenticeship programs to take the next step.
Explore technical staff roles at the University of Kent and discover how you can contribute to research, teaching, and community development.
Ready to apply? Submit your application to a technical career program now.
Have questions about the Technician Commitment or the technical pathways at Kent? Check our news feed for updates and contact us for more information.
