Liverpool Hosts IST Conference on Future Skills 2026

Key Points

• The Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Technical Conference 2026 was held at the University of Liverpool on Tuesday 15 September 2026.
• Over 300 delegates attended the conference which comprised technicians and technical professionals from all over the UK.
• The conference had the theme “Future Ready: Skills, Systems and Stories – You’ll Never Work Alone”.
• Keynote presentations were delivered by Fiona Clark OBE and Jiteen Ahmed (Head of Technical Services, Aston University).
• A total of sixteen workshops were run on AI; sustainability; career progression; Health, Safety and Risk Management; and creative technologies.
• Terry Croft MBE (Chair & CEO of IST) commended the success of the conference and the University’s support.
• The University of Liverpool has been a Technician Commitment signatory since 2017 and has over 650 technical staff.
• The concluding panel was led by IST President Dr Helen Sharman CMG OBE.

Liverpool (Liverpool standard) September 18, 2026 – The University of Liverpool welcomed technicians and technical professionals from across the UK for the Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Technical Conference 2026, bringing the community together to explore the skills, technologies and collaborations shaping the future of technical careers.

What Was the Theme of IST Conference 2026?

This year’s conference theme, Future Ready: Skills, Systems and Stories – “You’ll Never Work Alone”, reflected the importance of collaboration and community as technical professionals respond to rapid changes in technology, workplaces and career pathways, as reported in the University of Liverpool’s official news release.

The programme explored subjects ranging from artificial intelligence and sustainability to leadership, career development, creative technologies and the challenges of organisational change.

Who Delivered the Keynote Speeches at IST Conference 2026?

The day opened with welcome remarks from Terry Croft MBE, Helen Sharman CMG OBE and Professor Ian Prior from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, before Professor Fiona Clark OBE delivered the first keynote, How Hard Can it Be? How to Survive and Thrive in the Ever Changing World of STEMM, based on her own life experience, according to the University of Liverpool news report.

Jiteen Ahmed, Head of Technical Services at Aston University, later delivered the second keynote, sharing his own experiences in Resilience and Collaboration – The Tale of a Technician’s Journey, the same source stated.

What Workshops Were Offered at the IST Conference 2026?

Delegates had the opportunity to choose from 16 workshops covering AI and technology, careers, health, safety and the environment, and creative technologies, media and communications, as outlined in the University of Liverpool’s announcement.

Sessions addressed topics including the changing role of AI in the workplace, sustainable research, technical career pathways, continuous improvement and supporting women and neurodivergent colleagues in technical roles, the report added.

University of Liverpool colleagues featured prominently throughout the programme, sharing expertise and examples of innovation from across the institution, the University stated.

This included a session reflecting on the University’s Research Technical Professional career pathway, introduced in 2023 to provide greater recognition and career progression opportunities for specialist technical staff, according to the news release.

What Did IST Leaders Say About the Conference Success?

Terry Croft MBE, Chair and CEO Institute of Science and Technology said:

“The conference has been brilliant. More than 300 delegates engaged enthusiastically with the presentations, workshops and networking opportunities, while our sponsors and exhibitors helped create a fantastic, inclusive atmosphere throughout the day,”

as quoted by the University of Liverpool.

“The support from University of Liverpool staff has been terrific and played a huge part in making the 2026 IST Conference such a success. From the keynote speakers and presenters to a superb closing panel session in a full auditorium, there was a real buzz throughout,”

Mr Croft added.

“Once again, as an official Technician Commitment supporter, the IST has delivered an outstanding conference for the UK’s technical community,”

he concluded, the University reported.

Jan Brett, Senior Safety Risk and Compliance Manager for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and IST Executive board member said: “The day was a great success, with a real sense of energy and enthusiasm throughout. Our technicians told us they were inspired by the conference talks, workshops and exhibitors, and have already begun considering new opportunities for collaboration, which was a key aim of the event. It was an excellent conference, and I am incredibly proud of the University of Liverpool team whose hard work and commitment made it possible,” according to the University of Liverpool news release.

How Did the Conference Conclude?

The conference concluded with a panel chaired by IST President Dr Helen Sharman CMG OBE exploring how individuals and organisations can respond positively to change, the University stated.

She was joined by Professor Fiona Clark OBE, Jiteen Ahmed, Professor Tracy Harwood, IST Creative Registration Group Chair, and University of Liverpool Senior IT and AV Technician Michael Bayliss, who captured the conversation for the Technician Commitment Podcast, the report added.

Background of the IST Conference 2026 Development

Hosting the conference also provided an opportunity to highlight the University’s wider commitment to its technical community, as noted in the University of Liverpool’s news release.

Liverpool has been a signatory to the Technician Commitment since 2017 and today has more than 650 technical staff working across the institution, the University stated.

Its work includes the Technicians Hub, professional development and registration opportunities, the University Technical Network and the Research Technical Professional Career Pathway, according to the announcement.

The event builds on the University’s ongoing work to increase the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of technical professionals and to ensure technical expertise continues to play a central role in delivering research, education and innovation, the University reported.

The IST Conference is an annual gathering for the UK’s technical community, organised by the Institute of Science and Technology, which supports technicians across science, engineering, technology and medicine.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect UK Technical Professionals

This development can affect UK technical professionals by strengthening national networks, enhancing career progression pathways and raising the profile of technical roles within research and education institutions.

The emphasis on AI, sustainability and inclusive workplace practices may encourage technicians to upskill and adapt to emerging technologies, potentially improving job security and mobility across sectors.

Increased visibility of the Technician Commitment and similar initiatives could lead to more institutions adopting formal career frameworks, resulting in better recognition, pay and progression for technical staff nationwide.