Technically Scotland

In this Behind the Network episode, we talk to Shonna Johnston about the UK Technology Specialists Network (TSN), growing community for technology specialists working across higher education and research.

The TSN is all about sharing best practice, knowledge, and skills, while also creating innovative career development opportunities for those in technical and digital roles. Shonna explains how the network is helping to connect members, raise visibility of their expertise, and support the technology specialists who work in higher education.

If you’re a technology specialist or simply curious about how this community is evolving, this episode will give you insight into how TSN is building connections and supporting careers.

Technology Specialists Network

TSN on LinkedIn in

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In this Behind the Network episode, we speak with Bill Surradge, from the IST Scottish Network.

The Institute of Science & Technology (IST) has a long history of supporting technical professionals, and the Scottish Network was created to provide a local hub for technicians across Scotland. Bill shares how the network brings technicians together to exchange knowledge, foster career development, and strengthen the voice of technical professionals within Scottish higher education and beyond.

Whether you’re looking for community, professional recognition, or opportunities to connect with peers, the IST Scottish Network is here to support you.

Find out more: 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ist-online/ 

https://istonline.org.uk/

Bill's Blog: https://teachingtechieblog.wordpress.com/2024/08/26/a-year-in-the-life-of-a-lab-technician-august-holidays-gratitude/

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In this Behind the Network episode, we’re joined by Amelia Dingley and Neil Guthrie to explore the CASES Technical Special Interest Group from the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES).

This Special Interest Group provides a dedicated space for technicians in sport and exercise sciences and supporting roles to connect, share expertise, and gain recognition for their essential role in research, teaching, and innovation.

Amelia and Neil talk about the network’s origins, how it supports technical staff, and the opportunities available for those working in this growing field.

Find out more about CASES here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/casestechnical/ 

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In this Behind the Network episode, we sit down with Marie Daniels, Programme Manager for UK RAS STEPS (UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Platform). Marie shares how the network is supporting research technical professionals in robotics and autonomous systems, by building skills, creating connections, and giving visibility to the technicians driving innovation.

From knowledge exchange placements and international visits to special interest groups and national showcases, UK RAS STEPS is transforming the way technical staff are supported and celebrated.

Tune in to hear how the network is creating opportunities for technicians across the UK to thrive and how you can get involved.

Find out more:

https://www.ukras-steps.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/uk-ras-steps/ 

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In this episode of Behind the Network, Lee and Charli chat with Aimee-Louise Wilkin and Aimee Parker from Durham University about the Early Career Technician Network.

This network was created to give early career technicians a space to connect, share experiences, offer advice, and support each other in developing their careers.

 Learn more and join the community here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14626819/

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In this first episode of our Behind the Network mini-series, Lee and Charli speak with Sally Morgan, Chair of the Technician Steering Committee at the University of Edinburgh, about the newly formed Scotland Technician Network.

Created to address the unique challenges of Scotland as a devolved nation, the network aims to strengthen connections, provide support, and build visibility for the Scottish technical community.

Sally shares why the network was set up, what it hopes to achieve, and how technicians across Scotland can get involved.

If you’re a University of Edinburgh technician and would like more information or to be part of the Scotland Technician Network, get in touch at [email protected]
.

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Anne-Marie Coriat began her career as a technician before completing her PhD, taking on roles in strategy and then joining the University of Edinburgh as the College Registrar in  the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.  Anne-Marie is also the Senior Sponsor for the Technician Steering Committee. 

Hosts Lee Murphy and Charli Corcoran chat to Anne-Marie about her career journey and some of the challenges facing technicians at this time. 

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Technician Week 2025 is only a month away! But what is it? This episode covers what Technician Week is, what events are available for the University of Edinburgh Technicians and why Edinburgh Techs should get involved!

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For this episode, we joined forces with the University of Liverpool Tech Talk Podcast and their host Mike Bayliss, to record live at the Higher Education Technician Summit in July 2025.

Mike and Charli chatted with the amazing Kelly Vere, the founder of the Technician Commitment and the director of the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy, about her work with the Technician Commitment over the last 10 years, taking questions from the live audience and discussing the importance of using digital media projects to engage with our technical communities.

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One week on from the Scottish Technical Conference 2025, we’re excited to share a special episode of the podcast featuring reflections, insights, and highlights from an incredible line-up of speakers who took part in the event.

From big-picture strategy to personal experiences and sector-wide updates, this episode captures the energy and ambition of the conference — and showcases the vital role of technicians in higher education.

Hear from:
 🔹 Professor Frank Coton – Senior Vice Principal and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), University of Glasgow
 🔹 Daniel Johnson MSP – Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Business & Fair Work
 🔹 Janet Milne – Development Adviser, University of Strathclyde
 🔹 Neil Guthrie – NTDC Specialist Advisor, Edinburgh Napier University
 🔹 Charmaine Lim & Zain Ul Abidin – InFrame Community Knowledge Analyst
 🔹 Ed Bowerman – Technician Technical Training Manager, UKITSS
 🔹 Frances Medaney – Scottish Research Cultures Collaboration Manager
 🔹 Professor Nicholas Forsyth – Vice-Principal (Research), University of Aberdeen

If you attended the conference, relive some of the best moments. If you didn’t, this is a brilliant way to catch up on what you missed!

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