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Awards and other opportunities

As a technician, there are many opportunities to have your skills recognised with awards and similar schemes, nationally, regionally, and locally. Some of the opportunities are detailed below, annual nomination deadlines will be announced via the TechYork social media channels and newsletters.

Royal Society Hauksbee Award

For 2026, the Royal Society Hauksbee Award will be awarded for outstanding achievements in science to an individual or team whose work is mostly ‘behind the scenes’ or in support, including technicians, research office staff or other contributors who might not normally be recognised. Nominations open on 01 December 2025 and close on 20 February 2026.

Find out more about the Hauksbee Award

Times Higher Education Awards - Outstanding Technician of the Year

The Times Higher Education (THE) Awards have returned, and nominations are open for the prestigious Outstanding Technician of the Year Award, sponsored by the Technician Commitment.

This award will be given to an individual whose exceptional practical skills, commitment and vision have enabled the highest quality teaching, research or knowledge transfer.

Find out more about the Outstanding Technician of the Year Award

UK Higher Education Technician Summit - Papin Prizes

The Papin Prizes recognise the invaluable role played by technicians in higher education and research. Their aim is:

• To provide national recognition and reward for excellence in technical services
• To raise the professional status of technician

Categories include: 

1. Contribution to Teaching
2. Contribution to Research
3. Newcomer (individuals must have embarked on a technical career within the past four years - for example, this may be a trainee or apprentice technician who has shown exceptional promise.)
4. Core Research Facility
5. Covid-19 Recognition (an individual or team who has played a significant role in the response of their institution to Covid-19)
6. Outreach/Community
7. Contribution to Infrastructure (for example, technical staff who look after building facilities or staff that provide key services to support day to day laboratory/workshop activities)
8. Technical Team
9. The Professor Lord Bhattacharyya Lifetime Achievement Award

Applications

• Applications are not currently open.

IOP Technician Award

The IOP Technician Award enables the community to recognise and celebrate the skills and experience of technicians and their contribution to physics.

Find out more 

IET Technician of the Year Award

The Institution of Engineering and Technology Technician of the Year Award is to recognise individuals who stand out from their peers and have made noteworthy achievements in their area of expertise. This award celebrates individuals who are role models to others and who are passionate about engineering. 

Find out more about IET awards