The University of Glasgow held its annual Technician Commitment Celebratory Event on Monday, 23rd September 2024, at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC). The event brought together technical staff to highlight their achievements, discuss future opportunities and to announce this year's James Watt Technician Prize winners.

Ali Salik, the Technician Commitment coordinator, kicked off the event by providing an update on the university's Stage 3 Technician Commitment Action Plan, along with upcoming initiatives aimed at supporting technicians. This was followed by Lynsey Johnston and Jennifer Cassels, who discussed the progress of the Technician Commitment Champions Network (TCCN) and recent work by their Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Newsletter committees.

Susan Gannon, a technical manager in the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences (MVLS), presented on the MVLS Community of Practice, which was launched earlier this year. She shared the successes the group has had in fostering collaboration and skill-sharing among technical staff.

The event featured a Q&A session where a panel of senior staff members addressed questions submitted by technicians. The panel included:

  • Ms Angela Loy, Institution Lead for the Technician Commitment, HR P&OD
  • Ms Christine Carr, Chief Technician, MVLS Education Hub
  • Mr Cyril Pacot, Head of Technical Services, CoSE Senior Management
  • Ms Nicola Britton, Chief Technician, C&MH
  • Professor Nikolaj Gadegaard, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Academic Rep on Steering Group

To conclude the event, Senior Vice Principal, Professor Frank Coton, announced the winners of this year's prestigious James Watt Technician Prize. Kenny Robert (GES, CoSE) and Andrew Tait (SUERC) were recognized for their exceptional and sustained contributions to technical services. Additionally, Ayako Tani (Chemistry) and Jacob Young (Engineering) received high commendations for their contributions. All honorees were presented with a certificate signed by the Principal, along with awards from the university.

This celebratory event highlighted the essential role technicians play in advancing research, teaching, and innovation at the University of Glasgow.

staff receiving award

staff receiving award

First published: 26 September 2024

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