Shonna Johnston attends UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy 3-year impact report launch

Shonna Johnston, IRR Technology & Services Director, was recently invited to the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy (ITSS) 3-year impact report launch, at the House of Lords.

The ITSS was established in August 2023 and is underpinned by a £5.5 million grant from Research England.

Shonna is one of the founding members of the Technology Specialist Network (TSN) which is supported within UK ITSS and which provides access to bespoke learning and development opportunities for the Research Technical Professionals community. The TSN also facilitates knowledge exchange through the ‘Research Technical Professional Opportunities, Knowledge and Skills (ROKS)’ initiative, a £1.8 million project funded by EPSRC.

The event was hosted by Kelly Vere, Director of UK ITSS, Lead for the Technician Commitment and Director of Technical Skill and Strategy at Nottingham University (host institution).  

Speeches at the event included one from Dame Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle Upon Tyne Central and West who is Chair of the House of Commons: Science, Technology and Innovation Committee.  Dame Chi Onwurah oversees parliamentary scrutiny of UKRI, focusing on the long-term sustainability of scientific infrastructure and research grants. 

Dame Chi Onwurah giving a speech behind a lectern and in front of the event's banner
Dame Chi Onwurah giving a speech

The evening was an excellent opportunity to meet peers across the UK, discussing technical roles, opportunities and progress, with a view to the positive future impact UK ITSS can have for technicians.

Shonna Johnson IRR Technology & Services Director
TSN Committee Members in attendance at the event
TSN Committee Members in attendance at the event

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