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TALENT - SUPPORTING TECHNICIANS IN HE & RESEARCH

mass sperc

2100

Technicians
in Midlands

10%

Of England's total

700

Delegates at HETS 19

24

Funded exchange placements

1270

Equipment pieces
managed

TALENT 

TALENT is a project which leads and influences change to advance status and opportunity for technical skills, roles and careers in UK higher education and research. 

It is funded by Research England and is led by Midlands Innovation universities in collaboration with key stakeholder and industry partners.

It is the largest ever investment into technicians in higher education, whose specialist skills often go unrecognised despite the crucial role they play in the success of universities and the growth of the UK economy.

TALENT is a four year project which will:

  • Build an understanding of the future requirements for skilled technicians in the UK HE and research sector (the TALENT Commission report was published Feb 2022).
  • Work collaboratively to advocate and deliver a change in culture that will raise the profile of technical careers, roles and contributions, enhancing career pathways and possibilities.
  • Deliver a programme of training and development opportunities for the Midlands Innovation technical community of over 2100 FTE and share the learning with the sector.
  • Advocate and develop opportunities for technicians in the HE and research sector, ensuring technical careers are supported, developed, respected and ultimately aspired to.

Visit the TALENT website

Our response to the TALENT Commission 

The TALENT Commission report has gathered new strategic insights into the UK’s technical workforce in higher education and research. 

The report sets out a vision for the future of the UK's technical talent and includes 16 overarching recommendations for employers, funders, government and policymakers, professional bodies and learned societies and the technician community  to guide delivery of this vision.

Midlands Innovation universities have collectively committed to implementing the employer recommendations within their institutes. Professor Karen Holford CBE, Vice-Chancellor for Cranfield University announced the Midlands Innovation Joint Statement at a Parliamentary Reception for the TALENT Commission. 

 

We strongly believe the TALENT Commission recommendations will make a significant and valuable difference. All eight university partners within Midlands Innovation are making a collective commitment to advance the culture and environment for our 2,100 technical colleagues who make such vital contributions to our institutions’ research and teaching. Midlands Innovation is the place to be for those seeking fulfilling and vibrant technical careers in higher education and research and this initiative will strengthen that.

Professor Karen Holford CBE, Vice-Chancellor for Cranfield University

Karen Holford