In this episode of Lab Matters, Harriet Gould is joined by STEM educator, technician and mentor Lawrence Dawkins-Hall (Science Council) for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about what shapes a science career - and what needs to change next.

From early inspiration sparked by the Apollo missions and Attenborough, to the realities of working life in labs, Lawrence shares the highs, the hard lessons, and the turning points that led him to champion better recognition and progression for technicians. The conversation explores professional registration and chartership, the Technician Commitment, and why the sector needs stronger, clearer career pathways that let technical talent thrive without being forced away from the bench.