The University of Liverpool welcomed technicians and technical professionals from across the UK for the Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Technical Conference 2026, bringing the community together to explore the skills, technologies and collaborations shaping the future of technical careers.
This year’s theme, Future Ready: Skills, Systems and Stories – “You’ll Never Work Alone”, reflected the importance of collaboration and community as technical professionals respond to rapid changes in technology, workplaces and career pathways. The programme explored subjects ranging from artificial intelligence and sustainability to leadership, career development, creative technologies and the challenges of organisational change.
The day opened with welcome remarks from Terry Croft MBE, Helen Sharman CMG OBE and Professor Ian Prior from the University of Liverpool’s lnstitute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, before Professor Fiona Clark OBE delivered the first keynote, How Hard Can it Be? How to Survive and Thrive in the Ever Changing World of STEMM, based on her own life experience. Jiteen Ahmed, Head of Technical Services at Aston University, later delivered the second keynote, sharing his own experiences in Resilience and Collaboration – The Tale of a Technician’s Journey.
Delegates had the opportunity to choose from 16 workshops covering AI and technology, careers, health, safety and the environment, and creative technologies, media and communications. Sessions addressed topics including the changing role of AI in the workplace, sustainable research, technical career pathways, continuous improvement and supporting women and neurodivergent colleagues in technical roles.
University of Liverpool colleagues featured prominently throughout the programme, sharing expertise and examples of innovation from across the institution. This included a session reflecting on the University’s Research Technical Professional career pathway, introduced in 2023 to provide greater recognition and career progression opportunities for specialist technical staff.
Terry Croft MBE, Chair and CEO Institute of Science and Technology said:
“The conference has been brilliant. More than 300 delegates engaged enthusiastically with the presentations, workshops and networking opportunities, while our sponsors and exhibitors helped create a fantastic, inclusive atmosphere throughout the day.
“The support from University of Liverpool staff has been terrific and played a huge part in making the 2026 IST Conference such a success. From the keynote speakers and presenters to a superb closing panel session in a full auditorium, there was a real buzz throughout.
“Once again, as an official Technician Commitment supporter, the IST has delivered an outstanding conference for the UK’s technical community.”
Hosting the conference also provided an opportunity to highlight the University’s wider commitment to its technical community. Liverpool has been a signatory to the Technician Commitment since 2017 and today has more than 650 technical staff working across the institution. Its work includes the Technicians Hub, professional development and registration opportunities, the University Technical Network and the Research Technical Professional Career Pathway.
The conference concluded with a panel chaired by IST President Dr Helen Sharman CMG OBE exploring how individuals and organisations can respond positively to change. She was joined by Professor Fiona Clark OBE, Jiteen Ahmed, Professor Tracy Harwood, IST Creative Registration Group Chair, and University of Liverpool Senior IT and AV Technician Michael Bayliss, who captured the conversation for the Technician Commitment Podcast.
Jan Brett, Senior Safety Risk and Compliance Manager for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and IST Executive board member said
“The day was a great success, with a real sense of energy and enthusiasm throughout. Our technicians told us they were inspired by the conference talks, workshops and exhibitors, and have already begun considering new opportunities for collaboration, which was a key aim of the event. It was an excellent conference, and I am incredibly proud of the University of Liverpool team whose hard work and commitment made it possible.”
The event builds on the University’s ongoing work to increase the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of technical professionals and to ensure technical expertise continues to play a central role in delivering research, education and innovation.