13 June 2025

Co-funded by the Wales Innovation Network with UKITSS and Technician Commitment, the conference took place at Cardiff Metropolitan University, with an opening speech from the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rachael Langford, who highlighted the important role technicians play in higher education. 

Colleagues heard updates from UKITSS, Technician Commitment, and Herschel programme, and David Noakes, Chair of the WIN Technicians' Network, provided an overview of the Network and outlined its future direction. The closing speech was given by Jiteen Ahmed, Head of Technical Services at Aston University.

The event was organised by Mark Dabee-Saltmarsh, Technician Commitment Lead and Council Member of UKITSS, with support from members of the WIN Technicians’ Network. 

Mark Dabee-Saltmarsh said:

“Along with the organising team, I am delighted to be able to bring technicians across Wales together for the first event of this kind. It has been a fantastic opportunity to share successes, learn about opportunities for collaboration and, most importantly, celebrate the importance of technicians in higher education.”

David Noakes  said: 

“As Chair of the WIN Technicians’ Network, I am proud of the role we have played in making this conference happen. By building a technical community across Wales, the Network can be a key driver in creating opportunities for technicians across Wales to come together and share expertise. I am excited about the prospect of future opportunities for skill-sharing and collaboration as the Network continues to grow.”

AWTC25 demonstrated the strength of Wales’ technical community, and created a powerful platform for learning, connection, and recognition. As the momentum builds, attention now turns to Bangor University, host of the next conference in 2027.

Learn more about the WIN Technicians’ Network.