TechNet Scotland: sustainability conference 2026

Edinburgh will be hosting this Scotland-wide technician conference on Thursday 23 April 2026 at the iconic McEwan Hall.

With the theme of Sustainability, the event will be a platform for technical staff to share knowledge, best practice and lessons learned in relation to sustainability, as well as shining a light on the vital contributions that they make to ensuring laboratories and workshops operate in a sustainable way.

The conference programme is currently coming together and will include a combination of talks and workshops, panel discussions, a podcast mini-series on sustainability, as well as the opportunity to network with suppliers, sponsors, speakers and colleagues from across the sector.

The conference is being developed and organised collaboratively, including technical colleagues from across the University of Edinburgh, colleagues from UoE's Social Responsibility & Sustainability (SRS) department, and members of the wider Scotland Technician Network (universities of Aberdeen, Stirling and West of Scotland).

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We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, without who this event simply wouldn't be possible:

• SISO
• Starlab
• Filamentive Ltd.
• PHC Europe B.V.
• UniGreenScheme
• Greiner Bio-One Ltd.
• UoE College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine
• UoE College of Science & Engineering
• UoE Social Responsibility & Sustainability

Info: We are currently working on the details of the conference programme but hope this draft outline will give you an idea of what to expect (NOTE: exact timings and format are subject to change). We will update the details as things are confirmed over the coming weeks. Watch this space.

Info: This session will likely include a welcome from local leadership, a keynote speech, sector updates and the first set of technician flash talks (5-minute presentations given by technical staff on sustainability initiatives and experience from their area).

Info: Participants will have the option to attend one of the workshops that will be running in parallel. Workshop themes may include: waste, equipment management/sharing, funding sustainability, sustainability beyond wet labs, and sustainable procurement. The format of these may be as demonstrations, panel discussions or something more hands-on.

Info: Participants will have another opportunity to attend one of the workshops that will be running in parallel. Workshop themes may include: waste, equipment management/sharing, funding sustainability, sustainability beyond wet labs, and sustainable procurement. The format of these may be as demonstrations, panel discussions or something more hands-on.

Info: The final session of the day will see participants reconvene in the Main Hall for a second set of talks, including more technician flash talks, and closing remarks.

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