In 2022, the universities of York and Leeds secured funding through the Technician Commitment Collaboration Fund to initiate the Yorkshire Technical Exchange Partnership (YoTEP). Aimed at fostering a supportive and informative network among the technical communities of Yorkshire, the group started with the University of York and the University of Leeds with the plan to expand to higher education institutions across the region.

With high level support from both universities, we facilitated 27 exchanges. These exchanges allowed technicians to learn new techniques, share valuable knowledge, and collaborate across various disciplines, blending science and the arts. Often sparking broader discussions, this lead to reciprocal visits and further collaborations.

We are delighted to announce after a recent successful bid to the White Rose Community Fund, YoTEP is to be expanded to include the University of Sheffield, with a one day event to celebrate and launch the expanded network planned at Leeds in early 2026.

Contact: Lucy Hudson, Head of Technical Operations, Technical Lead for the Technician Commitment, University of York (lucy.hudson@york.ac.uk), Jennie Hibbard, Lead Technician – School of Biology, Technician Lead for the Technician Commitment, University of Leeds (J.K.Hibbard@leeds.ac.uk), Melanie Hannah, School Technical Manager, University of Sheffield (m.hannah@sheffield.ac.uk)