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Development opportunities for RTPs

Development opportunities for RTPs

As part of the X-CITED programme, we are committed to developing a bespoke training platform that addresses the unique needs of RTPs. This will be shaped by meaningful engagement with RTP communities to ensure it reflects their priorities and aspirations.

In addition to our tailored training initiatives (found on the X-CITED Events & Development Opportunities X-CITED Development Opportunities for RTPs page), we will curate and share a range of opportunities from external providers, offering RTPs access to a diverse suite of resources and learning experiences.

We invite all RTPs within the GW4community to contribute to this ongoing dialogue about future training needs. To share your ideas and help shape the programme, as well as hear about updates and events, please sign up to our mailing list here. Or, you can contact us at x-cited@gw4.ac.uk


Staff training opportunities at the GW4 institutions:

Please note: You will need your staff login details to access the training from within your institution.


Other development opportunities:


Workshop – 31st March 2025

Elevating Automation in Liquid Handling

An action-packed event filled with insights and networking opportunities for any technical professionals using automation and liquid handling. Organised by UK RAS Strategic Technical Platform (STEPS) and partners, there will be live demonstrations, hands on sessions of the Opentrons Flex and lab tours. All travel and associated costs will be covered. Places are limited so please register

UK RAS STEPS / In person – Liverpool / Free

Click here for more details


Conference – Closing date: 31st March – Conference dates: 30th April – 1st May 2025

BBSRC Sparking Innovation Conference 2025

Who is the event for? Bioscience innovators, technicians, academics, entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to explore how bioscience is shaping the future. Anyone with an interest in bioscience innovation is welcome to share ideas, spark new collaborations and contribute.

Why should I attend? Expert-led discussions, real-world case studies, and plenty of opportunities to network, this event will provide a space to connect ideas and people, helping to turn innovative research into future outcomes.

TSN / In person – Leeds / Free

Click here for more details


Training Day – 2nd April 2025

How to make yourself transferable

Provide participants with essential methods and information to take charge of their own development and identify desirable skills they have to plan and achieve their ideal career.

HEaTED / Online / £351 – HEaTED members get a significant discount

Click here for more details


Conference – 9th-11th April 2025

UBMA Annual Conference

University Bioscience Managers’ Association’s 42nd annual conference which will be at Harper Adams University from 9th to 11th April 2025. The conference is open to all UBMA members as well as aspiring bioscience managers.

Technician Commitment / In person – Harper Adams University / Free

Click here for more details


Training Day – 16th April 2025

Career Development for Technical Staff 

Help technical staff enhance their career development by introducing the SOAR model and promoting a proactive approach to self-awareness, opportunity recognition, decision-making, and reflection.

HEaTED / Online / £351 – HEaTED members get a significant discount

Click here for more details


Conference – 29th-30th April 2025

UK Technology Specialists Network Conference

The conference aims to share insights, best practice and support colleagues in similar RTP roles.

TSN / In person – York / Free

Click here for more details


Training Programme – 30th April & 7th May 2025 (2 days)

Advanced Leadership and Management Skill for Technical Staff 

Focuses on you expanding your leadership capability, then builds your role in the team(s) that you lead within the organisation.

HEaTED / Hybrid / £923 – HEaTED members get a significant discount

Click here for more details


Funding – Closing date 30th April 2025

International Conference Funding

International conferences provide excellent opportunities to:

  • expand your network of technical specialists from across the world
  • learn from the leaders of technologies
  • explore cutting-edge developments in your area of expertise
  • discuss best practise with colleagues and peers

TSN / Fully funded

Click here for more details


Training Day – 8th May 2025

Leadership & Management Skills For Technical Staff

Designed to cover eight key topics, linking theories of leadership and management together with workplace experiences, thereby providing a more holistic approach to learning.

HEaTED / Online / £923 – HEaTED members get a significant discount

Click here for more details


Event – 12th-23rd May 2025

SpringFest – the online learning festival for technical professionals

SpringFest is an online learning festival for technical professionals working in UK universities and research institutes.

It features two weeks of bitesize learning opportunities, 24 free online workshops and networking.

TSN / Online / Free

Click here for more details


Training Day – 13th May 2025

Generating Income with Technical Facilities and Services 

The aim of this course is to (1) introduce a successful income generation model developed at a university in London that is then (2) adapted and applied by technicians in their own organisation.

HEaTED / Online / £412- HEaTED members get a significant discount

Click here for more details


Training Day – 14th May 2025

Assertiveness Skills For Technicians

The aim is to equip participants with the practical tools and techniques necessary to increase their assertiveness in the services and support environment.

HEaTED / Hybrid / From £228- HEaTED members get a significant discount

Click here for more details


Training Day – 22nd May 2025

Practical Microscopy for Technicians

Learn about microscope components, configurations, resolution, and magnification, including brightfield and phase contrast techniques, with hands-on practice time.

HEaTED / In person only – Oxford / £520- HEaTED members get a significant discount

Click here for more details


Training Day – 28th May 2025

Emotional Intelligence for Technicians

This course has been tailor-made to consider the four key attributes of EI in the technical environment, to help equip technicians, supervisors, team leaders and managers, to develop their behavioural competencies by understanding how they perceive and express themselves. Importantly, it will enable them to consider how they can effectively utilise EI, especially in decision-making and meeting the demands and pressures of the workplace.

HEaTED / Online / £351- HEaTED members get a significant discount

Click here for more details


Conference – 4th June 2025

All Wales Technical Conference

This conference has been created and collaborated on by representatives from all 8 Welsh Universities and is supported by Wales Innovation Network and Technician Commitment.

Join 200 technical colleagues for a day of networking, collaboration and seminars where we hope to “Empower Technicians”.

Technicians Commitment / In person – Wales /

Click here for more details


Event – 18th June 2025

UK RAS Strategic Technical Platform (STEPS) Showcase Event!

This event will celebrate the significant contributions of Research Technical Professionals within the field of Robotics and Autonomous Systems, and provide them with new skills and exciting opportunities for further development.

Our agenda is packed with thought-provoking sessions, including presentations celebrating technical excellence, a panel exploring new visions for career pathways, and interactive workshops where you can contribute to shaping the future of the industry. Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to network with fellow engineers, technicians, academics and industry leaders from across the UK. Whether you’re looking to gain fresh insights or forge new connections, this event is not to be missed!

UK RAS STEPS / In person – London / Fully funded

Click here for more details


Conference – 9th July 2025

UK Higher Education Technicians Summit – HETS2025

The event addresses key topics and issues impacting the technical community along with sessions that facilitate the sharing of best practice across the sector and is open to Technical Managers, Technical Specialists, Research Technical Professionals, Heads of Technical Services, Technician Commitment leads and Technical Apprentices.

TSN / In person – Burbage / Free

Click here for more details


University of Bath
University of Bristol
Cardiff University
University of Exeter