Developing skills and connecting Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) across GW4
RTPs are specialists who apply their technical knowledge and expertise to advancing research.
What is ?
Calling GW4Research Technical Professionals (RTPs)! Get the skills you need to develop and connect with our RTP communities within the GW4 institutes (Bath, Bristol, Cardiff & Exeter Universities) with !
We are an EPSRC-funded programmethat is using bespoke and innovative mechanisms to grow skills and expand knowledge for RTPs within the GW4.
The programme offers tailored RTP training & development opportunities – focusing on career readiness – direct connections with industry, and building RTP networks across the South West region.
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
What does do?
We are:
Developing peer networks and ‘Communities’ for regional knowledge exchange around key technology specialisms; – Follow the links below for more details and join today!
Reviewing RTP training opportunities and developing a unique training schedule tailored to the needs of RTPs; – View our 2026 Training Schedule below!
Creating innovative mechanisms to connect industry with RTPs to progress industry challenges; – Our ‘Industry Connection Programme’ is coming September 2026 – sign up to the Mailing List for all the updates
Introducing trainee RTPs roles at each institute, to foster diverse pathways into technical careers; – see what they are up to on our LinkedIn page
Delivering a robust evaluation of the X-CITED programme to disseminate key outcomes and learnings.
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:
Knowledge Exchange Placement Fund (KEP)
This fund of up to £600 should be used by RTPs to engage in knowledge sharing activities with colleagues from other GW4 institutions to develop connections, gain new knowledge and develop technical skills.
This fund of up to £2000 per application could be used by RTPs to obtain training in use of shared, high-value or bespoke equipment or skill development, where the training does not exist within GW4 institutions
This session is all about the practical ‘how’s’ of getting an excellent slide deck together. The workshop will be in two parts – first ideas, techniques and inspiration – then you get to try.
Technical Leadership in Action: Supervising, influencing and championing without formal authority
This workshop will help you identify where you are already having impact, strengthen your confidence and capability, and develop practical strategies for working with stakeholders, handling challenge and showcasing your contribution more effectively.
If there’s strong interest through the waitlist, we’ll aim to host this event again.
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
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
Building Collaborations
Learn about the application process for different types of funding, from timelines and requirements to drafting a proposal.
In person – Cardiff University
Jan-27
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
Feb-27
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
March-27
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
May-27
FREE
Registration coming soon
To hear our latest updates on when Registration opens – sign up to our Mailing List here
You can also look at other X-CITED Events & Development Opportunities here
As well as Training & Development Opportunities from collaborative organisations here
Explore the programme - click below to learn more about each aspect of the programme:
X-CITED Events, Training & Development Opportunities
Other Development Opportunities for RTPs from collaborative organisations
X-CITED Programme Team and Governance
Become part of our RTP Communities - click below to learn more about the three X-CITED Communities:
Digital RTP/RSE Community
Chemical & Nanomaterial Characterisation Community (CNCC)
Engineering Community
See our impact: Some images from our Industrial Challenge Workshop - 1st-2nd July 2025
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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.
