Reflecting on the 2025 Scottish Technical Conference – Emma Aitken
This year’s Scottish Technical Conference took place on a stunningly sunny day in Glasgow, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Bute Hall at the University of Glasgow. As my colleague and I admired the hall’s breathtaking architecture, it felt like the perfect setting to bring together such a vital and vibrant community of technical professionals
The conference was held at The Bute Hall, the University of Glasgow.
The event saw an impressive turnout, with all 250 places quickly claimed and many more hopefuls on a waiting list—a clear indication of the growing momentum behind the technical community in higher education. From the moment registration opened, the atmosphere was lively, with opportunities for networking over tea and coffee and a range of engaging exhibitions from sector partners like Starlab and Cytiva.
The 2025 conference was organised by team 6 Universities across Scotland, led by Ali Salik from the University of Glasgow.
The day began with a welcome from the University’s Senior Vice Principal, followed by an opening address by Daniel Johnson MSP, who acknowledged the critical role technicians play in supporting research, innovation, and teaching across Scotland’s universities. It was encouraging to see such recognition at a high political level.
Throughout the day, we heard from colleagues across the Scottish Technician Network, showcasing success stories from their institutions and projects aimed at elevating technical roles. The “InFrame” and Educational Technical Professionals (ETP) updates sparked great interest—each highlighting efforts to boost the visibility and professional development of technicians.
A key theme running through the event was the Technician Commitment—a UK-wide initiative launched in 2017 to support four key pillars: visibility, recognition, career development, and sustainability for technical staff. Now well embedded in institutions across Scotland, the Commitment is not just an idea but an active movement shaping policy and practice.
Talks from Edward Bowerman (UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy) and Frances Medaney (Scottish Funding Council) provided valuable updates on how these goals are being advanced nationally.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was the poster and technician image display, which gave us a window into the creative and diverse roles technicians play behind the scenes. The friendly competition added a fun edge, culminating in a prize-giving during the closing remarks by Professor Nicholas Forsyth from the University of Aberdeen.
Lunch was a welcome break, with a hearty spread of soup and sandwiches, and a chance to stretch our legs with a brief stroll through part of Kelvingrove Park—a reminder of Glasgow’s charm and greenery even in the heart of the city.
All in all, the conference was a powerful reminder of the dedication, talent, and collaboration that drive the technical community forward. Events like this don’t just celebrate our profession—they help shape its future.
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