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.

University of Bath - Staff Development Toolkit (University of Bath staff only)

University of Bristol crest in white on a red background.

University of Bristol - People for Development (University of Bristol staff only)

Cardiff University - Professional Development (Cardiff University staff only)

University of Exeter - Learning & Development (University of Exeter staff only)

UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy (ITSS) Learning and Development Academy

Coding for Reproducible Research Programme (Staff led courses for Uni of Exeter, self-study materials available for GW4)

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

Click here for more details

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

Click here for more details

‘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 will cover course fees, travel, and accommodation expenses for selected participants. These places are available to any Research Technical Professional working at a UK university. Please only apply if you have a technical role.

UK RAS STEPS / In person – London / Fully funded

Click here for more details

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

Click here for more details

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

Click here for more details

Archived links – Past development opportunities