X-CITED is an EPSRC-funded programmethat will develop the skills of Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) within the GW4 institutes (Bath, Bristol, Cardiff & Exeter Universities).
The programme offers tailored training & development opportunities – focusing on RTP development and career readiness, interdisciplinary experience across the GW4 network, and networking across the RTP communities within GW4.
We aim to:
Develop peer networks and ‘Communities’ for regional knowledge exchange around key technology specialisms;
Review RTP training opportunities and develop a unique training schedule tailored to the needs of RTPs;
Create innovative mechanisms to connect industry with RTPs to progress industry challenge projects that deliver real-world impact;
Introduce trainee RTPs roles at each institute, to foster diverse pathways into technical careers and;
Deliver a robust evaluation of the X-CITED programme to disseminate key outcomes and learning.
But what is a Research Technical Professional (RTP)?:
“RTPs are specialists who apply their technical knowledge and expertise to advancing research.”
RTP roles include, but are not limited to: Senior Technician, Technical Specialist, Senior Research Technician, Specialist Lead Technician, Database Officer, Research Fellow, Lab Coordinator, Research Nurse, Laboratory Manager, Engineer, Project Manager, Staff Scientist, Data Scientist, Research Software Engineer, Senior Technical Specialist, Specialist Services Research Technician, Senior Research Software Engineer, Senior Data Scientist, Senior Engineer, Senior Project Manager, Specialist Technician / Senior Technical Specialist, Principal Research Software Engineer, Principal Data Scientist, Principal Engineer, Principal Project Manager, Facility Manager, Experimental Officer and Instrument Specialist.
Learn more about what an RTP is via our LinkedIn page here
X-CITED Training & Development calendar 2026/7:
Presentation skills for RTPs
Develop your practical skills for making effective presentations
Learn the differences between leadership, champion & manager, and how you can step into a supervision role and what skills are required for each role.
In person – University of Bristol
Wed 10th June – 10am-4.30pm
FREE
Registration opening soon!
Building Collaborations
Be guided through different types of collaborations, how to find collaborators and aspects to consider when engaging in collaboration.
In person – University of Exeter
Jun-26
FREE
Registration coming soon
Health & Safety in the Lab
Gain insight on applications of health & safety in different types of labs. Use your learning to develop a new safety procedure for their lab
In person – University of Bristol
Jul-26
FREE
Registration coming soon
Understanding the Grant Application Process
Learn about the application process for different types of funding, from timelines and requirements to drafting a proposal.
In person – Cardiff University
Sep-26
FREE
Registration coming soon
IT Skills for RTPs
Learn advanced IT tools used by researchers and how these can improve efficiency.
Hybrid – via Teams & University of Exeter
Nov-26
FREE
Registration coming soon
Facility Costing
Gain knowledge of the TRAC system for costing facilities. RTPs will learn skills on how to appropriately register cost of consumables for facilities.
Online –
via Teams
Spring 2027
FREE
Registration coming soon
Managing a Facility
Understand the aspects of running a facility, from budget to staff management. They will also learn the skills required to successfully run a facility.
Online –
via Teams
Spring 2027
FREE
Registration coming soon
RTP Mentoring
Understand the requirements of mentoring, how to become a successful mentor/mentee and the benefits of taking part in mentorship programmes.
Online –
via Teams
Summer 2027
FREE
Registration coming soon
To hear our latest updates on when Registration opens – sign up to our Mailing List here
Explore the programme
X-CITED Events & Development Opportunities
Other Development Opportunities for RTPs
Programme Team and Governance
Become part of our RTP Communities:
Digital RTP/RSE Community
Chemical & Nanomaterial Characterisation Community (CNCC)
Engineering Community
See our impact: Industrial Challenge Project Workshop - 1st-2nd July 2025
Contact us:
Sign up to our newsletter to hear more about upcoming activities, updates and more!
Email x-cited@gw4.ac.uk
Follow us on LinkedIn
The X-CITED programme is revolutionising the way we engage with, and develop, Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) across GW4. Funded by ESPRC and embedded within the GW4 technical community, X-CITED equips RTPs with the skills, networks, and confidence to translate their research into real-world impact.
Through interactive workshops and training opportunities, networking and peer support, and direct collaboration with industry partners, X-CITED provides the tools to navigate personal career pathways for technicians. The wide-reaching programme has also established a model for RTPs to free up time from their main job to engage with the development opportunities being offered, and a mechanism to develop a talent pipeline through the recruitment of junior RTPs.
By championing collaboration and innovation, X-CITED is not just training and supporting the next generation of RTPs – it is shaping future leaders and highlighting the strength of our technical expertise to drive meaningful change across academia, industry, and beyond.
Join us on this exciting journey and be part of a expert community that thinks, acts, and innovates differently!
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RTP roles include, but are not limited to: Senior Technician, Technical Specialist, Senior Research Technician, Specialist Lead Technician, Database Officer, Research Fellow, Lab Coordinator, Research Nurse, Laboratory Manager, Engineer, Project Manager, Staff Scientist, Data Scientist, Research Software Engineer, Senior Technical Specialist, Specialist Services Research Technician, Senior Research Software Engineer, Senior Data Scientist, Senior Engineer, Senior Project Manager, Specialist Technician / Senior Technical Specialist, Principal Research Software Engineer, Principal Data Scientist, Principal Engineer, Principal Project Manager, Facility Manager, Experimental Officer and Instrument Specialist.
