In 2022, the Universities of York and Leeds secured funding through the Technician Commitment Collaboration Fund to create the Yorkshire Technician Exchange Partnership (YoTEP). 

Aimed at fostering a supportive and informative network among the technical communities of Yorkshire, the partnership facilitated 27 exchanges, enabling technicians to learn new techniques, share valuable knowledge, and collaborate across disciplines, blending science and the arts. 

Exchanges often sparked broader discussions, reciprocal visits, and further collaborations.

Following a successful bid to the White Rose Community Fund, YoTEP has now expanded to include the University of Sheffield, celebrated at a relaunch event at the University of Leeds in January 2026.

Take part in an exchange

Exchanges are free and open to all technical staff at the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York. Whether you want to learn a new technique, explore a different working environment, build your professional network, or simply find out what colleagues across Yorkshire are working on, there is something here for you.

How does an exchange work?

Exchanges are informal and flexible. 

There is no set format: you might visit a colleague at a partner university for a few hours to learn about a specific piece of equipment, spend a day in a different type of laboratory or teaching environment, or simply have a conversation with someone working in an area you are curious about.

You can take part as a host – welcoming a technician from another institution – or as a visitor, or both. There is no requirement for exchanges to be simultaneous or reciprocal at the same time.

Getting started

1. Browse the subject areas below to get a sense of the expertise available across the three institutions.
2. Register your interest or submit an offer through your institution’s form (links below).
3. The YoTEP coordinators at your institution will be in touch to help match you with opportunities.
4. Arrange your visit and get started.

Exchanges are open to all technical staff at the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York. You do not need to have a specific project in mind – interest in connecting with colleagues and learning more about what others do is reason enough to take part.

What could you exchange?

Across the three partner universities, there is a huge range of expertise and facilities available for exchange. Below is a snapshot of the subject areas and topics that technicians across Leeds, Sheffield and York can offer or explore.

Technical Facilities & Specialised Workspaces

• Creative & Media Facilities
• Design & Engineering Workshops
• Laboratories
• GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) Sector
• Core Infrastructure

Analytical Skills & Digital Expertise

• Scientific Instrumentation
• Data & Informatics
• IT Solutions
• Innovation

Operations, Management & Governance

• Institutional Leadership and Management
• Governance & Compliance
• Health & Safety
• Logistics & Personnel
• Sustainable Laboratory Practices Accreditation

Professional Development & Strategic Engagement

• Career Advancement
• Pedagogy & Outreach
• Strategic Writing
• Partnerships & Funding
• Culture & Responsibility
• Institutional Awareness
• Professional Registration

These are only examples, and the range keeps growing. If you have a skill, technique or area of expertise you think others might benefit from, we would love to hear from you.

Ready to get involved?

Whether you want to offer your expertise as a host, find an exchange opportunity as a visitor, or simply find out more, getting started is straightforward. Select your institution below to access the registration form or expression of interest page.

• University of Leeds Technicians Network
• University of York
• University of Sheffield (Staff login required)

If you have a question before registering, you can also email the YoTEP team at yotep@leeds.ac.uk or contact the lead for your institution:

• University of Leeds: Jennifer Hibbard, Faculty Technical Manager for Biological Sciences 
• University of Sheffield: Melanie Hannah, School Technical Manager, Faculty of Science
• University of York: Lucy Hudson, Director of Technical Operations / Graeme McAllister, Head of Technical Operations