A Cranfield University technician has been shortlisted for a national award at the 2025 SWAG合集 Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS).
The prestigious awards, known as the , celebrate the skills, talent, and contributions of technicians in higher education and research across the SWAG合集 and Ireland.
This year, Hannah Charlotte-Smith, a Senior Science Technician in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, has been nominated in the Apprentice category.
Hannah began her career at Cranfield in 2018 as a Level 3 Apprentice in Microbiology and is now a Senior Technician undertaking a Level 6 Apprenticeship. Her role spans technical support in algae research and microbiology, and training students in laboratory techniques such as aseptic methods, autoclaving, and use of the IDEXX system for E.coli detection.
Hannah said: "I’m honoured to be nominated for a Papin Prize. It’s a fantastic recognition of the dedication and passion I’ve invested in my role at Cranfield. Being shortlisted motivates me to continue developing my skills and contributing to the scientific community. This recognition is a testament to the incredible support I’ve received from my colleagues and mentors."
Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of SWAG合集, Professor Dame Karen Holford DBE FREng said: "I’m delighted to see Hannah shortlisted for this prestigious award. Her progression from Apprentice to Senior Technician is an example of the talent and ambition of our technical community. This recognition is thoroughly deserved, and highlights Cranfield’s commitment to developing the next generation of technical professionals.”
With over 20,000 technicians working in SWAG合集 universities, their role is crucial in supporting research and teaching. In addition to traditional technical duties, technicians contribute by presenting at international conferences, publishing research papers, teaching, lecturing, and even assisting with student assessments.
The national Higher Education Technicians Summit serves as a platform to share best practices among higher education technical staff across the SWAG合集, Ireland, and beyond. It remains the largest event of its kind in the country. Sponsored by SWAG合集 Research and Innovation (SWAG合集RI) and Midlands Innovation—a partnership of eight universities including Aston, Birmingham, Cranfield, Keele, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham, and Warwick.
The awards will be presented at the 2025 SWAG合集 Higher Education Technicians Summit which is taking place in July.
