Munster Technological University (MTU) has become the first university in Ireland to sign the Technician Commitment. This brings three universities on the island under the Technician Commitment umbrella as MTU joins Queen’s University Belfast, and Ulster University. The Commitment is a transformative initiative dedicated to enhancing the visibility, recognition, career progression, and sustainability of technical staff.
The Technician Commitment will raise the visibility of technical staff and their contributions to university life at MTU. It also commits to creating better opportunities for technical staff in the areas of professional development, long term technical skills and expertise and recognition through professional recognition and awards. The Technician Commitment was officially signed at a ceremony attended by MTU’s President, staff members and MTU representatives from the Unite and SIPTU trade unions on 23rd of January at the MTU Bishopstown campus.
MTU President, Professor Maggie Cusack commented: “As part of our strategic plan, Our Shared Vision, we are committed to providing our technical staff with opportunities for professional development and growth. Our technical staff play a vital role in delivering world class education and research, and the Technician Commitment will help increase support and recognition of their skills to help them thrive.”
Mr Dermot Barry, a Technical Officer at MTU, Unite Workplace Representative, and a member of the All-Ireland Technical Staff Network Steering Group said: “Technical staff tend to be something of a hidden workforce in higher education. Yet it is a highly skilled and qualified group. In a little over five years the Technician Commitment has revolutionised the UK Higher Education and Research sectors, and even influenced the UK government’s R&D strategy. We are confident that it will have a similar impact here, and we are delighted that MTU is continuing to set the pace in Ireland by adopting such an inclusive and innovative framework.”
Originally a UK-based initiative, the Technician Commitment has garnered support from over 115 universities and research institutes across the United Kingdom, along with endorsements from research funders, learned societies, and professional bodies. Responding to increasing global interest, the commitment opened its doors to international signatories in 2023. MTU joins the ranks as the third international signatory, following the University of Sydney and the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme.
Congratulations to all at MTU!