About the Network

We aim to cultivate a collaborative and inclusive research environment that empowers RAS Research Technicians to advance and develop their careers, by:

• fostering ongoing professional development through community-driven training opportunities and secondments in academia and industry.
• supporting the community to address outstanding technical and organisational challenges through open calls for collaborative task groups.
• facilitating knowledge exchange and raising the profile of UK robotics by supporting Research Technicians to undertake international visits to world-leading robotics labs.
• establishing a mentoring scheme to help junior Research Technicians to flourish in their current role, evaluate career opportunities, and pursue their career aspirations.
• raising the profile of RAS careers and promoting responsible innovation practices through activities and events that engage members of the public in UK robotics research.
• promoting and advocating for Research Technicians through engagement with national and international organisations, industrial groups and government forums.

The UK RAS STEPS platform is managed by the Executive Committee, with advice from the Strategic Advisory Board, and co-ordinated by the University of Leeds. Our membership includes representatives from 37 UK Universities.

This work is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council [grant number EP/Z530669/1].