Sara Davies MBE, Founder of Crafter’s Companion and T Level ambassador will be the keynote speaker at the UK’s largest conference for technical professionals in higher education and research.
The UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS) celebrates its tenth anniversary year and is taking place on Wednesday 9 July 2025 in Leicestershire.
Sara is a well-known public figure, sharing her passion for mentoring and championing women in business. She is a vocal advocate of T Levels and the 45-day industry placements which offer technical based learning to students as part of the qualification, and she’s been recognised for her services to the economy with an MBE and several awards.
Dr Josh Smalley, science communicator with a doctorate in chemical biology at the University of Leicester and finalist of The BBC’s Great British Bake Off 2023 will also deliver a talk. President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Nishan Canagarajah will open the event.
500 technical professionals from across the UK are attending HETS 2025 which offers thirty workshops, networking opportunities and the acclaimed Papin Prizes presented across ten categories.
Dr Kelly Vere, MBE, Director of the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy and Technician Commitment, said:
“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Sara Davies to HETS 2025. She will share her unique perspective on the value of technical skills and careers – drawing on her own journey and her work across craft, television and other technical fields.
“As a passionate advocate for technical education, Sara will also help us launch a new suite of resources to support universities in engaging with T Level industry placements. We’re equally honoured that she will present this year’s Papin Prizes, celebrating outstanding contributions across the UK’s technical community.
“We’re also delighted to be joined by Dr Josh Smalley, science communicator, chemical biology researcher and finalist of The Great British Bake Off 2023 who will deliver an inspiring talk that brings science, creativity, and communication together.
“Attendees can choose from a packed programme of workshops covering a wide range of topics relevant to the technical community, including research culture, sustainability, apprenticeships, professional accreditation for AI and Creative Technology practitioners, and a live podcast recording. Another highlight will be a session on the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and what it means for technical professionals.
“We look forward to welcoming 500 technical professionals to the event, which is kindly sponsored by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Midlands Innovation and supported by the Gatsby Foundation.”
HETS 2025 builds on the success of five previous summits held at Nottingham, Birmingham and Warwick. The event is fully booked with a waiting list and is taking place on Wednesday 9 July at Leonardo Conference Centre, Watling St, Burbage, Hinckley, LE10 3JA.
