Strengthening career pathways for technicians

The ICR aims to build on our inclusive culture where all contributions are valued and recognised and ensure we recruit and nurture a diverse range of individuals to maximise our research impact. With input from our leaders, technical staff and key partners we have designed the proposed programme with the following aims: - To address challenges for the sector in the recruitment, development and retention of technicians. - To increase diversity of through promoting technician apprenticeships to groups under-represented in research careers. - To improve the recognition of technician career path throughout academia. The programme will develop a set of interventions at key career transition points for biomedical research technicians: - Entry level: Piloting a proof-of-concept approach for scientific apprenticeships. - Mid-point: Building a team science technician development programme aimed at professionalisation and growing registered scientists. - Senior: Designing a collaborative programme for Core Research Facilities Managers and senior technicians. Through all three strands, we will support the development of a positive research culture with improved recognition of technicians. We will ensure benefits for the wider sector through sharing our experience and collaboration. Thus, we believe this proposal is an important step to enhance the career pathway and recognition for technicians.