Durham University and N8 Group pledge to carry out the MI Talent Recommendations for future action
Durham and Midlands Innovation Universities Take Steps to Enhance Research Technical Professionals' Culture and Environment
Durham University and the Midlands Innovation universities have announced a series of measures aimed at improving the culture and environment for research technical professionals (RTPs), as outlined in the MI Talent report. These actions focus on career development, skills investment, and collaboration.
Investing in Workforce Skills Development
One key initiative involves investing in workforce skills development targeted at emerging sectors, such as the significant hydrogen economy in the East Midlands. This will involve curriculum reform and the creation of new education and training pathways to address current skills gaps that threaten regional industrial growth.
Supporting Early-Career and Technical Upskilling Opportunities
The universities are also supporting early-career and technical upskilling opportunities, as reflected in broader Midlands Innovation initiatives. These projects engage early-career workers and provide technical skills development, particularly in specialized fields.
Promoting Partnerships and Collaboration
To foster an inclusive and supportive research environment, the universities are promoting partnerships and collaboration across universities and industries. This knowledge sharing and joint career development support specifically tailored to RTPs will help align training with industry needs, thereby improving job readiness and retention.
Focusing on Diversity and Inclusive Access
The universities are also focusing on increasing diversity, social mobility, and inclusive access to education and career opportunities within research technical roles. This effort is supported by outreach and widening participation teams who collaborate closely with educational organizations to build confidence and skills among underrepresented groups.
Enhancing Visibility, Outreach, and Public Engagement
The universities are also encouraging and supporting events for technical staff's visibility, outreach, and public engagement. This will help ensure that the vital contributions made by RTPs to each of Durham's institutions are recognised and celebrated.
Empowering RTPs in Decision-Making Processes
To ensure that the voices of RTPs are heard, the universities are including technical staff as representatives on committees. Additionally, they are committing to addressing equality, diversity, and inclusivity for technical workforces and being inclusive of technical staff in conversations on sector-policy developments and supporting their participation in government events and initiatives.
Data Collection and Analysis
The universities are also ensuring the collection, reporting, tracking, and analysis of data on their technical workforces. This will help in making informed decisions about the implementation of targeted technician-specific initiatives and the inclusion of technical staff in wider all-staff initiatives.
Partnerships with Supportive Organizations
Finally, the universities are forming partnerships with organizations and initiatives that support their technical community. This will help in creating a more enabling ecosystem for RTPs in the Midlands, aligning technical training with economic priorities and social inclusion goals.
The commitment from Durham University and the Midlands Innovation universities to advance the culture and environment for research technical professionals is a significant step towards recognising and valuing the vital role they play in research and innovation.
[1] MI Talent report: [insert link] [2] Outreach and widening participation teams: [insert link] [3] Midlands Innovation initiatives: [insert link]
- To foster personal growth and career development for research technical professionals (RTPs), Durham University and the Midlands Innovation universities are promoting skills development in emerging sectors, such as the hydrogen economy, through curriculum reform and the creation of new education and training pathways.
- As part of their efforts to support education and self-development, the universities are also collaborating with organizations and initiatives that focus on diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity, aiming to increase diversity within research technical roles and create a more enabling ecosystem for RTPs in the Midlands.
