The NTDC Appoints Three New Specialist Advisors 

Neil Guthrie, Edinburgh Napier University

Role: Technician in Sport, Exercise and Health Science

Neil has worked at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) for 7 years, as alumni of the university. Before joining ENU, he worked overseas and as part of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games Team. Neil was successful in his application for the 2022/2023 NTDC Technician Development Fund. The funding saw him launch the 'ENU Technical Roadshow' (see Neil's presentation on the project here); an outreach project that visits local schools to promote a career as a technician. Neil and technical colleagues from ENU have since expanded their initial project and continue to deliver outreach engagements in the local area. 

Neil has supported the NTDC and NTDC Partner Affiliates through his engagement with NTDC activity, outreach, and encouragement of other technical staff to apply for funding opportunities. Neil is an excellent communicator and continues to build rapport with key groups, from school students to technical colleagues. We are so pleased to have Neil on board and are sure he will continue to communicate the value of technical staff far and wide!

"I would love to be able to help other technicians promote themselves and their career, something we are not always great at, but something which I think is very important."

Joanna Scamp, University of Kent

Role: Technical Manager (Technician Commitment)

Jo has been a key contact of the NTDC through her facilitation of the NTDC Technician Survey at the University of Kent and supporting the NTDC Partner Forum. Jo has worked in technical services at the University of Kent since 2011, and is now managing the university's Technician Commitment. Jo works across the university to support their technicians, and continues to advocate for them at a senior level. Jo supported the 2023 NTDC Partner Forum with a raw and engaging talk 'ADHD & Me', which explored best practice around working and networking with neurodivergence. Equality, diversity and inclusivity is embedded in all that Jo does, contributing to institutional EDI committees, networks and Athena SWAN applications. 

She has a particularly keen interest in the subject of neurodiversity within the workplace and the complexities that neurodiverse communities can face in their everyday working relationships. The NTDC are delighted to have Jo joining us as an SA, and look forward to employing her experience and expertise in EDI to support the wider technical landscape. 

"I am honoured to be a part of the NTDC’s Specialist Advisor group. I wish to offer my skills, experience and expertise for the benefit of and to support the NTDC and wider technical community.”

Jan Brett, University of Liverpool

Role: Faculty Strategic Technical Lead

Jan began her career as a research technician in Biochemistry, she has worked at Leicester University, Nottingham University and overseas at the University of Queensland in Brisbane Australia. Jan was a Technical Manager for 13 years managing research labs, before moving into her current faculty role working with all technical managers across the faculty. Jan has a vast understanding of technical services, structures and career pathways. Jan was a key contributor to the development of the University of Liverpool Research Technical Professional Career Pathway. Jan is also involved in the IST Women in Tech Group, and continues to engage with the technical community across the country. We are thrilled that Jan has joined the team as a Specialist Advisor, and very much value her expertise in technical service structures and career pathways for technical staff. 

"I have always enjoyed working with the NTDC and I am very honoured to be invited to be a SA and can work with the team even more. I’m hoping to extend my network wider and learn even more about technicians along the way!"