Here are some internal and external events and programmes that are relevant to technical staff and managers. For further information, to join the Network, or to make suggestions about future Network activities, please contact the Technicians Network.
Events & programmes for Imperial technical staff
- Lunch and learn social events
- Technicians Today
- Technicians' summer event
- Ignite 2026 programme
- IgnitePLUS programme
A series of informal lunchtime social events to connect with technical colleagues and hear about development opportunities.
- Lunch and learn with Aneesha Bhumber on 17 September 2025
Come and join this informal lunchtime social to connect with technical colleagues and to hear about opportunities for professional and career development. Aneesha Bhumber, Teaching Laboratories Technician in the Faculty of Medicine, will be giving a short introduction to our MS Teams channel for technicians and Imperial Profiles. Booking required for catering purposes. Book your place by Tuesday 9 September.
- Lunch and learn - Mentoring for technicians on 12 November 2025
We will be welcoming Jane Sloan from the Learning and Talent Team, who will tell us about the University’s mentoring scheme, and how you can get involved – either by having a mentor to support you, or training to be a mentor yourself! We will also have two inspiring talks from technician mentors, who will share their own experiences. Booking required for catering purposes. Book your place by Tuesday, 4 November
- Lunch and learn - Kamil Skirlo will speak about his experience with LEAF on 11 March 2026
More details to follow.
Technicians Today
Back for a third year, Techs Today is a collaboration with Imperial College, the Francis Crick Institute, UCL, King’s College London and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). The Techs Today events are an opportunity for technical staff to share expertise, explore themes of common interest and connect with colleagues at other institutions.
When and Where
- Tech's Today event at ICR on 4 November 2025 - Book your ticket here
- Tech's Today event at UCL on 28 January 2026
- Tech's Today event at the Crick on 4 March 2026
- Tech's Today event at King's on 14 May 2026
- Tech's Today event at Imperial on 1 July 2026
For any queries, contact Amelia Kowalewsa.
The summer festival will take place on 1 July 2026, 12.00-14.00
More details to follow.
Professional Development for Mid-Career Technicians
Applications have opened for Ignite, a multi-institutional professional development programme for mid-career technicians funded by the Wellcome Trust. Ignite is led by the Institute of Cancer Research in partnership with UCL, King’s College London, The Francis Crick Institute and Imperial College London.
This impactful, five-month programme is for technical staff from any department or discipline who wish to build their confidence, collaboration, and influence within their teams. Applicants should have at least three years’ professional experience and will be working in a role at grade 3a or 3b. The course runs from January to May 2026 and involves four sessions themed around Influencing from Within, Being Your Best Self, and Training the Technical Trainer. You will meet technicians from across the partner institutions, hear from inspirational guest speakers and benefit from an accompanying webinar series on professional registration.
Places are limited and applications close on Friday 14 November 2025.
Complete the online application form
Development for Facility Managers and Senior Technicians
Applications have launched for IgnitePLUS, a multi-institutional programme for Facility Managers and service-oriented Senior Technical roles within Life Sciences and Healthcare Research. Running between January and May 2026, IgnitePLUS aims to:
- Enhance professional development: Providing tailored training and development opportunities to help professionals advance in their careers.
- Foster collaboration: Creating a network where professionals can share knowledge, best practice, and innovative solutions.
- Support research excellence: Ensuring that technical experts are well-equipped to support the research strategies of their institutions, thereby enhancing the overall research environment.
You will join a cohort of peers from Imperial, The Institute of Cancer Research, University College London, King’s College London and The Francis Crick Institute. You will attend an engaging series of in-person and online sessions themed around project management, commercial awareness, business risk management and strategic thinking. Places are limited and applications close on Friday 28 November 2025.
Complete the online application form >>