Science technicians play a crucial role in delivering high-quality science education - their knowledge, skills, support and insights are essential to the success of practical science in schools and colleges. To highlight their impact and raise the profile of the technician community, ASE is launching the ASE Technician Of The Year Awards in partnership with Philip Harris. Nominations are open from early October and will close on 30th November 2025 at 23:55hrs.
These awards will recognise excellence, celebrate our wonderful community of technicians as well as encouraging professional pride, and creating a platform for sharing best practice. Award winners may be approached to write a short quote for an ASE news story and to share photos/promote their Award / prize.
Award Categories:
• Rising Star Award - New Technician of the Year - celebrating a technician with fewer than 3 years in post who has made a significant impact.
• Shining Star – Outstanding Contribution - recognising a technician who consistently goes above and beyond in their support of science education.
• North Star - Lifetime Achievement - honouring a technician whose career has shown long-standing commitment and influence in the sector.
Nominations - who can nominate? Teachers, senior leaders, or colleagues. Self-nominations (with supporting references). Nominations are submitted through this online form, with a deadline set for 30th November 2025 at 23:55 hrs.
Judging Process: a judging panel including ASE Technician senior members, the ASE Chief Executive and members of the Philip Harris Science Education team will meet to review all nominations week commencing 1st December 2025. Winners will be notified week commencing 15th December 2025 by email. Awards will be presented during the Technicians day lunch on Friday 9th January 2025.
Guidance for Nominators
Complete the nomination form, including yours and the nominee’s details, selecting one award category and supply a clear, evidence-based statement (max 500 words) explaining why your nominee deserves recognition – this should be as detailed as possible and please provide examples where possible. You may also include an optional short endorsement (max 250 words) from another colleague. You will need to confirm that the nominee has consented to being nominated for the Award.
Award Categories and What to Include
Rising Star – New Technician of the Year : For those with fewer than 3 years in post. Include evidence of strong early impact in their role, initiative or enthusiasm for learning, positive influence on lessons or the team, CPD engagement or fresh ideas, overcoming early obstacles.
Shining Star - Outstanding Contribution: For technicians who consistently go above and beyond, include evidence of innovation in practical support or systems, support for teachers and/or students, extra-curricular involvement (e.g. STEM clubs), supporting their team, training and development, peer recognition or positive feedback.
North Star - Lifetime Achievement: For long-term service and excellence (typically 15+ years) include evidence of longstanding impact on science education, mentoring others or shaping school practice, legacy projects or systems, widely respected professionalism.
Optional Extras: You may also include quotes from colleagues or students, photos or examples of projects/work (ensure you seek consent to do this), CPD records or certificates, links to relevant coverage or internal recognition.
Prizes: As well as Award certificates and trophies for the winners, prizes will also include Hotel Chocolat chocolates, £200 of Philip Harris resources and 1 year's membership of ASE.
Philip Harris is delighted to sponsor the ASE Annual Conference 2026 Technicians Day for Science Technicians attending at the University of Nottingham on Friday 9th January 2026. ASE and Philip Harris reserve the right to withdraw or amend these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice. ASE Members receive regular mailings and updates - members can opt out of these in their membership profiles at any time. Participant details recorded in the nomination process will be shared between ASE and Philip Harris.
For queries please email conferences@ase.org.uk - thank you and good luck!
