Introduction

The external evaluation of UK RAS STEPS is being conducted by Sarah Jenkins. Feedback collected between July and October 2025 (Q3) shows that the programme continues to make a significant impact on Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) across the UK. The evaluation has highlighted the value of activities supported by UK RAS STEPS, with participants reporting high satisfaction, professional growth, and strengthened networking.

High Quality Activities

In Q3 2025, RTPs participated in a diverse range of activities supported by UK RAS STEPS, including conferences, workshops, and technical visits. Notably, many referenced the ROSCon UK 2025 event at the University of Edinburgh as a standout experience.

The conference was a great opportunity for me to learn more about ROS, network with colleagues and industry members, and to learn more about how to integrate ROS within our learning and research.

The quality of supported activities is being measured using the Net Promoter Score (NPS), a widely recognised metric that helps organisations see how many people are really pleased, neutral, or unhappy with what they offer. In this case RTPs are asked, “How likely are you to recommend this type of activity to another RTP?” They answer on a scale from 0 (not at all likely) to 10 (extremely likely).

The results for UK RAS STEPS in Q3 2025 were exceptional, with an overall Net Promoter Score of 76.2, which is considered ‘outstanding’ and reflects the high regard RTPs have for the opportunities that UK RAS STEPS provides them.

The Value of UK RAS STEPS Support

Feedback has consistently highlighted that UK RAS STEPS support is essential for enabling participation, professional growth, and community building. Funding is crucial, with many RTPs stating they would not have been able to participate otherwise. The programme’s straightforward application and reimbursement process, as well as personalised support, were also praised.

The comfortable accommodation and financial support allowed me to focus entirely on learning and engaging in the activities.

RTPs have emphasised the importance of opportunities for professional development, increasing their technical expertise and addressing knowledge gaps. In-person networking, exposure to new methods, and learning from experts have been repeatedly highlighted as invaluable for personal and professional growth.

Extremely helpful, as a technician, to cement my understanding and fill foundational gaps around robotics and robotic solution design.

RTPs value the chance to represent their community at events, ensuring their voices are heard and needs addressed. Networking fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a sense of belonging within the wider robotics sector.

Conferences are a great opportunity for all relevant persons, especially technicians, to engage and network with their colleagues and the industry at large.

Impacts

RTPs report increased confidence, renewed motivation, and a stronger sense of career direction. The knowledge they gain from supported activities  is directly applicable to their work.

Participating has had a meaningful impact on my confidence and motivation to re-engage with hands-on robotics work.

Collaboration across institutions leads to sharing best practices, new ideas, and the formation of interdisciplinary partnerships. These connections are driving innovation, improving efficiency, and enhancing the capabilities of technical teams.

Firstly, it bootstrapped several new initiatives for future collaboration, identifying common experimentation platforms, exchanging knowledge about embedding robotics into different contexts, as well as discussing the potential for joint research activities.