A Day of Discovery: ASE Technicians Conference 2025
Friday 11th July saw Bolton School play host to an exciting and insightful ASE Technicians Conference, bringing together science technicians from across the region for a day packed with learning, networking, and professional development.
The event featured a diverse range of informative sessions designed to support and empower technicians in their vital roles within schools and laboratories.
Highlights of the day included an engaging leadership session led by Simon Quinnell CSciTeach, which offered valuable perspectives on the evolving role of technicians in education and the importance of confident leadership. Meanwhile, Rebecca Daniels RSciTech delivered a hands-on session on Microscale Chemistry – a firm favourite among attendees – showcasing practical techniques that are both accessible and classroom-friendly.
Attendees praised the conference for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality content. One technician commented, “Really great sessions with some really great tips to get enzymes working! It was really nice to see the presenter tackling a topic that she also finds challenging.”
Another participant added, “There was ample opportunity to speak with all the suppliers after registration, at break and at lunch, with a chance to look at new equipment, win prizes, alongside taking away the obligatory Philip Harris tea towel!”
With a blend of expert-led sessions and the opportunity to network with peers, the ASE Technicians Conference once again proved to be a highlight in the calendar for science education professionals. We’re already looking forward to the next one!
Rachael Bailey Senior Science Technician, ASE Technicians Committee
The brilliant sunshine and beautiful surroundings of Bolton School definitely set the tone for the ASE technician conference.
Technicians both new and experienced got to talk to the reps and each other, while enjoying a cuppa and a cookie, before attending the vast array of workshops.
What struck me about the workshops I attended was that not only did the attendees gain knowledge from our wonderful presenters but they were also able to collaborate with each other and share tips, tricks and best practice. I now have a foolproof way of making enzyme practicals work, it's only taken 14 year!!
The importance of events like this was highlighted during the delicious lunch, when chatting to a number of fellow techs, who could only attend due to the Philip Harris bursary. With it being the first CPD they had attended even though they had been in post for a number of years.
Fiona Roberts Senior Science Technician, ASE Technicians Committee
There was a distinct buzz as technicians attended the ASE conference at Bolton School.
With a wide range of workshops to choose from there was something for everyone. The Glass skills workshop sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Glass sellers was a big success.
During the sessions I attended I learnt some new features for LabLogger, found out all about the best plants to keep for the department, had the opportunity to take some cuttings to bring back to work, and gained some superb new ideas for open evening .
Presenting my workshop was a great experience and enabled me to pass on knowledge about how to adapt practicals and equipment for SEND students.
Philip Harris provided bursaries to 15 technicians to be able to attend conference. I spoke to a couple of them and they were so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend.
Lunch was delicious and being able to sit round picnic benches in the sun outside to eat, whilst networking with other technicians sparked invaluable conversations. I love ASE technicians conference for the opportunity to meet old friends and to make new ones, I can't wait for technician's day at Annual conference on 9th January.