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 – 10th March 2026
Technical Services Career and Promotion Pathways
Designing effective career and promotion pathways is essential for building motivated, high-performing Technical Services teams. This new course guides delegates through the process of creating sector-leading, strategically aligned pathways that clarify roles, define progression, and strengthen collaboration across business areas.
Participants will gain hands-on experience developing taxonomies, role outlines and promotion criteria, while learning how to build project teams that co-create and deliver excellence.
HEaTED / Online / From £289
Training – 11th March 2026
Automation and Engineering Biology for Plant & Microbial Systems
A one-day practical and theoretical workshop covering Biofoundries high throughput applications and Engineering Biology pipelines.
Earlham Institute / In-person Norwich UK / From £75
Training – 11th March 2026
Time Management Skills
Aim: To equip participants with skills, techniques and knowledge, to better manage time and increase productivity at work
HEaTED / Online / From £228
Training – 18th March 2026
Coaching Skills For Technical Professionals
The aim of this course is to increase awareness and equip participants with coaching skills, knowledge and confidence in the technical services environment.
HEaTED / Online / From £228
Training – 25th March 2026
Technical Service Structures and Restructuring
This intensive course is tailor made to meet the needs of technical and professional service managers and leaders, including HR, to help them increase their awareness of the best practice and pitfalls in technical services restructuring. It accommodates various learning styles, to allow participants to learn from theory and practice, group discussions and individual reflection on their current practice.
HEaTED / Online / From £289
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
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
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
‘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
