Two EARC Technicians Network leads shortlisted for national prize

Two of the leaders of our Technicians Network have been shortlisted for the prestigious Times Higher Technician of the Year Award.

Chris Spice (Essex) and Jo Scamp (Kent) were pivotal in forming the Network in 2020, and have led its development as part of its Steering Group.

The Network has given technicians at each university the opportunity to share knowledge and experience across the Consortium, to identify issues and seek solutions, to learn from each other and develop training, in-person and on-line. It hosts an annual conference, and was the basis for the successful EPSRC T-PIKE programme, which provides training for technicians in working with businesses.

‘I am delighted that Chris and Jo have been honoured in this way,’ said Phil Ward, Director of Eastern Arc. ‘They are creative, engaged and passionate colleagues who have been incredibly supportive of the career development of technicians, and the value that the technical profession brings to research and education. Technicians are crucial for the work of a contemporary university, and it’s wonderful that this is being recognised.

‘I want to congratulate them, but also add my thanks to them and to the whole Technicians Network Steering Group for their work in supporting technicians across the Consortium over the last six years. It has made a huge difference’.

The awards will be announced at the Vox in Birmingham on the evening of 26 November.