I attended the Herschel Achievements & Aspirations Event on 2nd July, 2026, thanks to funding from UK RAS STEPS. The programme covered a range of topics relevant to technical careers, including leadership, communication, career progression, and the recognition of technical professionals within academia.

Presentations and discussions provided valuable insight into the experiences of technicians working across a variety of disciplines and institutions, encouraging reflection on professional practice and future development.

As a Chemistry Technician at the University of Lincoln, I found the event both informative and inspiring. The sessions offered practical perspectives on leadership, communication, and career development, while engagement with technical professionals from different institutions broadened my understanding of the wider technical community. A particularly valuable outcome was an increase in my confidence to network and engage with professionals beyond my own institution.

I now feel more comfortable initiating conversations, building professional relationships, and establishing connections with individuals working in areas of interest, including laboratory automation and automated liquid handling. These new connections have the potential to support future knowledge exchange, collaboration, and ongoing professional development.

Overall, attendance at the Herschel Women in Leadership event made a significant contribution to my professional growth. It strengthened my confidence and networking skills, expanded my professional network, and reinforced my commitment to continuous professional development as a technical specialist.