Times are changing for technologists
Published: 3 January 2018
Science and technology evolve together, each pushing the boundaries to enable new discoveries and cutting-edge research.
Times are changing for technologists
Science and technology evolve together, each pushing the boundaries to enable new discoveries and cutting-edge research. But despite the critical contributions of technology skills specialists, their roles and careers are often overlooked. Thankfully that’s changing – helped by the Technician Commitment and recent Research Councils UK statement – as Kelly Vere, Technical Skills Development Manager at the University of Nottingham and Higher Education Engagement Manager at the Science Council, explains.
It’s often forgotten that science is a team sport. Everyone has a part to play, including a group of staff particularly key to the majority of research teams: the technologists.
So who are the technologists?
Technologists are a crucial part of scientific research teams. They make critical, intellectual contributions to research by providing core technical excellence and by maintaining and developing new technologies and methodologies.
The term ‘technologist’ covers a diverse group of staff which includes (but is not limited to): data scientists, data engineers, archivists, informaticians, statisticians, software developers, audio-visual technologists, technical professional staff, and individuals staffing core facilities, across all discipline
First published: 3 January 2018