Development opportunities for RTPs
Development opportunities for RTPs
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:
If you require funding to attend RTP focused training/development opportunity, please email x-cited@gw4.ac.uk to explore how we can support you.
Training – Open Ended
Data Standardisation
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Understand the importance of data standards in modern health research
- Understand the application of different kinds of data standards during the various research stages
- Take steps towards more effective reproducibility and data harmonisation
- Understand and utilise reproducible data workflows
FUTURES / Online / Free
Training – Open Ended
Research Software Engineering
You will learn about various software development methodologies, tools, and techniques that are commonly used in research software engineering. You will also learn about best practices for software design, coding, testing, and documentation, and how to apply these principles to your own software projects. Furthermore, you will be introduced to the key challenges and considerations that are unique to the research software engineering domain, such as ensuring reproducibility and collaboration, and balancing the trade-offs between performance and code maintainability.
FUTURES / Online / Free
Training Programme – CLOSING DATE 6th April 2026 (Programme runs June – November 2026)
Executive Programme in Strategic Technical Leadership
This programme has been designed for current and aspiring strategic technical leads working in higher education or research institutes. It is for technical leaders who are looking to grow their knowledge, skills and networks, and develop themselves as effective and influential strategic technical leaders.
Participants will learn from guest speakers from across the UK higher education and research sector. Through cohort-based learning, individual reflection, and peer networking, participants will be equipped with skills to develop themselves as effective and influential strategic technical leaders.
Nottingham University Business School / 2x in person residentials & 3x online workshops / £2580
Training – 14th-15th April 2026
Automation of Liquid Handling Workshop at Edinburgh Genome Foundry
Two days of practical insights and networking for RTPs in liquid handling automation.
This workshop will provide opportunities to learn from suppliers, engage in technical sessions, and network with peers. It builds on the success of our previous event at the Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, in March 2025.
UK RAS STEPS will fund all travel, accommodation, and subsistence for eligible RTPs working in RAS, with reimbursement to individual’s institutions following attendance at the workshop.
UK RAS STEPS / In person – Edinburgh / Free
Training – 15th April 2026
Practical Microscopy for Technicians
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Understand about microscope components, configurations and light paths
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Understand about resolution and magnification and how to use the correct setups and why
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Be able to set up a brightfield microscope and its components
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Be able to perform the Köhler illumination set-up alignment process
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Understand when and how to use the phase contrast technique and phase contrast components
HEaTED / Online / From £322
Training – 16th April 2026
Storytelling for Technical Staff
Stories make people pay attention – they can’t help it. We’ll watch films for hours, lose whole afternoons to a good book, or go without sleep to see just one more episode…
So, if you want people to take an interest in the work you are doing, why not steal some of the techniques and ideas from the world’s oldest form of communication?
In this workshop, we’ll explore how imagery, empathy, and curiosity become your tools to create a crucial “way in” for your audience. This workshop will enable you to help them understand, access, and resonate with, your work.
We’ll mix deep theory with practical ideas. You’ll learn tips, but also how and why they work, there are no generic storytelling formulas here. It’s just real tools for staff who want their work to land with the people who need to hear it.
TSN ROKS / Online / Free
Event – 28th -29th April 2026
UK Technology Specialists Network Conference
The Technology Specialists Network was established by the Research England funded TALENT Programme. The network, which aims to share insights, best practice and support colleagues in similar roles, now sits within the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy.
This is the fourth Technology Specialists Network conference to take place and is open to technical professionals working in UK universities and research institutes. Delegates who register will be contacted nearer the date for more information regarding which breakout sessions they wish to attend.
TSN ROKS / In person – Stratford-upon-Avon/ Free to attend
Training day – 29th April 2026
Project Planning Essentials for Technical Staff
This workshop is aimed at technicians involved in running small to medium sized projects in the workplace who have had little or no project management training. The workshop will focus on planning as the foundation for successful project management and participants will take away an accessible, flexible and scalable framework for planning projects.
HEaTED / Hybrid (both in-person & online options available)/ From £289
Online Workshop – 5th-6th May 2026
UK RAS STEPS Network Mentoring Workshops
We’re excited to offer peer‑to‑peer mentoring workshops designed to help members of the RAS Research Technical Professional community connect, share experiences, and support each other.
No prior mentoring experience needed, and no ongoing commitment required!
👥 Who Should Attend?
Any Research Technical Professional working in Robotics & Autonomous Systems within a UK HEI or RTO.
UK RAS STEPS / Online/ Free to attend
Training day – 6th May 2026
Generating Income with Technical Facilities and Services
Higher education institutions (HEIs) engage in income generation activities, sometimes referred to as ‘enterprise’, ‘commercial’, ‘third stream’ or ‘third-leg’, along with their core mission of teaching and research. The technical facilities and services capability in HEIs has the potential to generate significant financial impact.
Technical resources in HEIs have not been commercially focused and nor are they, on the whole, equipped with the skills and knowledge to capitalise on income generation opportunities. There is also a lack of available training for technicians by technicians in this area, to fully harness income generation potential.
HEaTED / Online / From £289
Event – 11th – 21st May 2026
SpringFest 2026
Two weeks, 23 free sessions, one festival of learning designed for technical professionals.
From AI tools to leadership, career planning to environmental sustainability, there is something for everyone.
Schedule:
Monday 11 May:
Tuesday 12 May:
Wednesday 13 May:
Thursday 14 May:
Friday 15 May:
- Introduction to Everyday AI for Technical Professionals
- ITSS Research Update – Technical Roles in Creative Arts
Monday 18 May:
- How to Write a Successful Award Nomination for a Technician/Technical Team
- A Practical Framework for Building Resilience
Tuesday 19 May:
Wednesday 20 May:
- Unlock your Potential with Apprenticeships
- A Beginners Guide to Choosing the Right Flow Cytometry Technology for You
- The Collaborative Global Report between Universitas 21 and UK ITSS
Thursday 21 May:
- CPAG Conference: Career Development and Mid Career Apprenticeships
- CPAG Conference: Succession Planning and Technical Opportunities (TOP)
- CPAG Conference: Mapping Technical Workforces & Career Pathway Toolkit
- CPAG Conference: Recognition for Technical Staff & Technicians as Partners
Friday 22 May:
TSN ROKS /Online / Free
Training day – 13th May 2026
How To Make Yourself Transferable
Our jobs or careers are ever-changing and so our abilities and skills should be changing alongside this. Companies and organisations can sometimes only have one or two roles, with hundreds of applicants applying. It is essential to put yourself in the best position possible to be successful in the job or career you are in now and allow you to progress or side-step into other roles.
HEaTED / Hybrid (both in-person & online options available)/ From £289
Training day – 14th May 2026
Technical Services Career and Promotion Pathways
This course explores the different types of Technical Services pathways, their key building blocks and how to design a sector leading, strategically aligned pathway. Attendees gain experience of creating pathways, role outlines and promotion criteria. They also learn how to create winning project teams who co-create and deliver excellence.
HEaTED / Hybrid (both in-person & online options available)/ From £289
Training day – 20th May 2026
Career Development for Technical Staff
This interactive course aims to 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 / Hybrid (both in-person & online options available)/ From £228
Event – 2nd June 2026
GW4 Imaging Network (GW4IN) Conference
The conference showcases imaging capabilities in the Southwest spanning Light, Electron and Force Microscopies from University of Bristol, University of Bath, University of Exeter & Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd.
With presentations from GW4 Alliance researchers, facilities and commercial sponsors this is an excellent networking opportunity for all career stages. Find access to cutting-edge equipment, make connections for cohesive funding bids and showcase your research.
GW4IN / In person – Bristol / Free
Event – 10th June 2026
UK RAS STEPS Special Interest Group Showcase
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the UK RAS STEPS Showcase on 10th June 2026 – a fully funded day of hands‑on robotics, cutting‑edge insights and community collaboration at The National Robotarium in Edinburgh.
There will be opportunities for group members to present their achievements and activities, networking and focussed sessions on what’s next for UK RAS STEPS. We will also hold an evening reception at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh (7-10pm) to continue conversations
UK RAS STEPS / In person – Edinburgh / Fully funded
‘Summer School’ – 20th-24th July 2026
Imperial Robotics Summer School
The Robotics Summer School is a unique opportunity to learn from top roboticists and immerse yourself in cutting-edge robotics labs. Deepen your technical skills, stay ahead in a fast-evolving field, and bring ground-breaking knowledge back to your lab.
UK RAS STEPS / In person – London / Fully funded
Event – 28th August 2026 – 5th September 2026
21st International Microscopy Congress IMC21
A major scientific event held every four years, considered the “Olympics of Microscopy”. It provides a global platform for researchers, industry leaders, and experts to present and discuss cutting-edge research in microscopy.
IMC21 Congress theme is The Next Generation – Embracing the Responsible AI Revolution.
This overarching conference theme is representing a compelling and forward-looking vision and captures the spirit of innovation and evolution.
IMC21 / In person – Liverpool / From £350.00
Event – 21st September 2026
Robotics & Autonomous Systems Technical Workshop
The next UK RAS STEPS Knowledge Exchange Workshop for Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) will take place on Monday 21 September 2026 at Imperial College London.
This event will build on the success of our recent workshop at the University of Cambridge, where RTPs from across the Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) community came together for knowledge sharing, networking, and inspiring demonstrations.
Our Imperial workshop will offer:
- Interactive sessions focused on best practice, skills sharing, and community-building
- Talks and demos from technical teams and researchers
- Lightning presentations from RTPs across the UK
- Opportunities to connect with colleagues working in RAS at a wide range of institutions
UK RAS STEPS / In person – London / Fully funded
