Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) play an essential role in enabling world-leading materials research, and opportunities to share expertise across institutions can strengthen the UK’s research infrastructure.
The National Technical Platform for Materials Innovation’s (NTPMI) Short Visit and Secondment Scheme supports this by enabling technical professionals to visit Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or other research institutions, access specialist facilities, develop new skills and build lasting professional networks. The scheme helps participants bring valuable knowledge back to their home institutions while strengthening collaboration across the UK materials community.
Applications are currently open on a rolling basis until December 2027.
Participant Testimonial
One recent participant, Damilola Oduneye, visited Imperial College London through the scheme and reflected on her experience:
My recent experience with The National Technical Platform for Materials Innovation’s Short Visit and Secondment Scheme was incredibly rewarding, taking me across both the White City and South Kensington campuses of Imperial College London where I got to explore their state-of-the-art biofabrication and Royce characterisation facilities over a period of three days.
Throughout the secondment, I had the opportunity to shadow several technical staff and receive hands-on training on advanced equipment I don’t normally have access to at my home institution, including a plasma cluster system, e-beam lithography, AFM microscopy, and PLD systems. Seeing their entire device fabrication pipeline first-hand – from initial synthesis all the way through to final device testing – provided immense clarity on how a leading facility enhances equipment sharing and streamlines its operational processes.
Beyond the technical training, the secondment served as a fantastic avenue for knowledge exchange and professional networking. Delving into discussions with fellow technical staff about laboratory management gave me invaluable insights, several of which we are already actively working to implement within my own facilities. Furthermore, even connecting PhD students, navigating the same research avenues allowed us to share tips, discuss common challenges, and learn how to overcome them. Overall, this scheme is an outstanding initiative that technical staff should absolutely maximise; it is a powerful avenue for gaining specialised skills, exchanging knowledge, and accessing experiences that you simply may not get within your home facility alone.
Apply for a Secondment
If you are looking to broaden your technical expertise or build connections across the national materials community, the NTPMI Short Visit and Secondment Scheme offers a practical way to further your professional development.
Find out more about eligibility and how to apply here.
