The IGC Technician Training Fund, a pilot project supported by core funding from the MRC, was set up to enable the training and development of technical staff.

All IGC technicians can apply for funds on an individual or group basis to attend a conference or workshop, visit a lab to learn a new technique, or bring in an external trainer.

Two years ago, Imaging Technician Matt Pearson successfully applied to the fund for money to cover the costs of attending the European Light Microscopy Initiative (ELMI) conference in Liverpool in June 2024.

The conference aims to establish a unique communication network between European scientists working in the field of light microscopy and the manufacturers of their equipment.

Matt, who has worked in the Advanced Imaging Resource Facility for almost 16 years, said: “The idea of the conference is to showcase new microscope technology and its application to biomedical research questions. This is through a mixture of vendor-led practical demonstrations and academic-led research talks. This enables facility staff to maintain an awareness of current developments in a rapidly developing field and demonstrates how we can potentially apply these methods to research questions within the IGC.

“Learning about new technology and its application is part of the job and attending conferences such as this, although not mandatory, is recommended. Also, it’s a good chance to network with staff from other facilities, see how they are using perhaps the same microscopes we have and discuss common problems we face.”

While at the conference he met up with James Crichton, a former PhD student and postdoc in Ian Adams’ lab who subsequently went on to become a facility manager at Exeter University.

“This fund shows that the IGC values its technicians and is invested in promoting and recognising their contributions as well as enabling further training and career development,” said Matt.

The next deadline for applications is 14 November 2024, with a decision made by 5 December. Out-of-cycle applications may also be considered.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/collegemvm/medicalschool/igc/SitePages/Technician-Training-Fund.aspx.

Technician Training Fund / Institute of Genetics and Cancer by blogadmin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0

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