We develop state-of-the-art accessible research infrastructure

To ensure our researchers maximise their potential and ambition, high quality equipment and facilities are crucial. Our researchers will be supported to deliver world-leading research and innovation by access to centrally maintained state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

Our Research Technology Platforms (RTPs) provide an integrated network of world-class technologies for our users, with each servicing a multidisciplinary user base. They encompass new cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art digital technologies.

We are proud of our technical staff, and as such, launched the Technician Commitment at the Higher Education Technicians Summit in 2017. We are keen advocates of this commitment and have developed technician job family profiles with clear opportunities for progression to professorial-grade equivalent.

Our technicians are supported to receive professional registration, as well as credit on journal articles, and we are committed to delivering events tailored to technical staff.

We also host the TechNet webpages to act as a central source of information, and take a strategic approach to succession planning and retention, with investment in the future of our technical workforce through staff and degree apprenticeships.

Another key component of our research infrastrucutre is our library, which hosts a variety of research resources including our Modern Records Centre. This is the main British repository for national archives of trade unions and employers' organisations, and also has strong collections relating to pressure groups, fringe political parties and transport. It is open to all and free of charge.

We are also currently developing our digital capabilities and investing in state-of-the-art digital technologies to increase our research capability across all of our faculties.