UofG hosts Scottish Technical Conference
Published: 10 June 2025
The University of Glasgow played host to 250 technicians from universities across the country this week for the Scottish Technical Conference.
The University of Glasgow played host to 250 technicians from universities across the country this week for the Scottish Technical Conference.
Daniel Johnson MSP, Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Business and Fair Work, visited the conference on Tuesday 10th June to address attendees and attend the morning sessions.
The conference offered attendees the opportunity to connect with colleagues, share stories of best practice and innovation, and plan for the future development of technical roles across Scottish higher education.
The event was organised as part of the Technician Commitment, the UK-wide initiative established in 2017 to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for all technicians working in higher education and research across all disciplines. The University of Glasgow hosted the inaugural conference in 2023.
Technicians from the Universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Strathclyde, Dundee and West of Scotland helped to organise this year’s conference.
Staff from across Scottish universities made their way to campus for the event, which was also attended by representatives of institutions including the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy (UK ITSS), the National Technician Development Centre and the Institute for Science and Technology.
The day's programme featured interactive workshops and updates on progress and plans to support technical staff. Attendees also saw presentations from Edward Bowerman of UK ITSS and Dr Frances Medaney, Scottish Research Cultures Collaboration Manager at the Scottish Funding Council.
A poster competition and a photo competition offered attendees the opportunity to share their unique technical work experience, with prizes for the best submissions. Professor Nicholas Forsyth, of the University of Aberdeen, provided the event’s closing remarks.
In addition to attending the conference, Mr Johnson also gave an interview to Charli Corcoran of Technically Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh’s podcast made by and aimed at technical staff.
Daniel Johnson, Scottish Labour Spokesperson for the Economy, Business and Fair Work said: “I was delighted to join technicians at this year’s Technical Conference to celebrate the pivotal role technicians play in our education institutions, supporting students and research staff. Technical skills are so important, not just in higher education, but across the economy and it is vital we continue to support technical carers paths into key industries in Scotland.”
Daniel Johnson MSP (left) with Professor Frank Coton
The University of Glasgow’s Professor Frank Coton, Senior Vice Principal and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), is chair and champion of the University's Technician Commitment steering group. He delivered the conference’s opening remarks.
Professor Coton said: “It was fantastic to welcome hundreds of technicians to the University of Glasgow for a second time to celebrate their achievements, share their knowledge and experience, and discuss the challenges of an increasingly complex and interconnected field.
“At the University of Glasgow alone, more than a thousand technical staff provide vital support and expertise to support our community of students and research staff.
“Our membership of the Technician Commitment helps us provide our technical staff with the training and career development they need to develop and maintain cutting-edge practical skills, which in turn enable research and development breakthroughs and a world-class student experience across our four Colleges.”
The Technician Commitment is a university and research institution initiative, led by a steering board of sector bodies, hosted by the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy.
First published: 10 June 2025