ASE 2026 Technicians Summer Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to ASE Technicians 2026 Summer Technicians Conference programme. Our professional development sessions are presented by techs for techs, and aim to offer a truly inspirational and beneficial CPD experience. To book your place: https://www.ase.org.uk/events/technicians-summer-conference-2026

08:30 BST

Welcome, Exhibition and Refreshments

Friday July 3, 2026 08:30 - 09:45 BST

Sports Hall

A warm welcome awaits all technician delegates to the ASE's 2026 Summer Technician's Conference.

It's been 3 years since we were last at Bristol and we are very excited to offer the day's professional development and exhibition opportunities to all science technicians working in the region.

So come along, register for the day and grab a tea or coffee and start networking!

Speakers

Rachael Bailey

Chair of ASE Technicians Committe / Senior Science Technician, The Orme Academy

I've been a school science technician since 2010, currently a senior science technician at The Orme Academy part of Shaw Education Trust, previous to this I was a senior analytical chemist in the pharmaceutical industry.

I have also worked alongside STEM learning as a lead PDL... Read More →

Friday July 3, 2026 08:30 - 09:45 BST
Sports Hall

09:45 BST

Less is more: the benefits of a microscale approach

Friday July 3, 2026 09:45 - 10:45 BST

Physics Lab A (Ground Floor)

This session will highlight the vast multitude of benefits felt by staff and students when employing a microscale approach to practical work.

There will be hands-on opportunities to try out some microscale favourites plus hints and tips for where to start with the set up if you’re new to microscale and how to convince your teaching staff to make the switch!

Speakers

Becky Daniels, RSciTech

Science Technician, St Peter's CofE Academy

Friday July 3, 2026 09:45 - 10:45 BST
Physics Lab A (Ground Floor)

biology & chemistry focussed

09:45 BST

Five minute wonders

Friday July 3, 2026 09:45 - 10:45 BST

Chemistry Lab K (First Floor)

This hands-on session will introduce you to a range of quick practicals, demonstrations and science "toys" that can be used as hooks to introduce a topic, add variety to lessons and act as a recap for revision or engage and enthuse curious students in the wonders of science.

There will be something for everyone - we'll cover physics, biology and chemistry.

Speakers

Jane Oldham RSciTech

Lead Science Technician and Outgoing Chair of ASE, De Ferrers Academy and Association for Science Education

Currently immediate Past Chair of the ASE 25-26 and the Lead Science Technician at the de Ferrers Academy, a large multi-site academy in the Midlands.
Jane has been a Science Technician for 20 years, currently leading a team of 6 technicians, where she specialises in supporting KS4 and KS5 chemistry. She is passionate about continuing professional development opportunities for science technicians... Read More →

Friday July 3, 2026 09:45 - 10:45 BST
Chemistry Lab K (First Floor)

chemistry focussed

09:45 BST

Green Lab: The reaction to change

Friday July 3, 2026 09:45 - 10:45 BST

Chemistry Lab O (First Floor)

This session will encompass the following - I hope you will all enjoy it!

Greener Reactions and the Road to Net Zero (We’ve got this!)
A fun quiz on what we know about Carbon Footprints in schools
A hands-on activity: Polystyrene is so last century!
Rethinking our approach to science – positively.

Speakers

Samantha Dickinson RSciTech

Science Technician

Friday July 3, 2026 09:45 - 10:45 BST
Chemistry Lab O (First Floor)

general practice focussed

09:45 BST

Soldering make and take

Friday July 3, 2026 09:45 - 10:45 BST

Physics Lab B (Ground Floor)

Join in this session for some soldering practice and take away with you a small circuit board that allows you to translate changing light levels (including laser beams) into a useful voltage, and also a power transistor that lets you use this, or another voltage to switch something else on or off (light bulb, buzzer, electromagnet, etc). There will be a brief discussion on how these work, plus...
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Speakers

Simon Buck

Senior Physics Technician, Clifton College

After 20 years in the thrilling world of compressed air, Simon retrained as a teacher only to discover he much preferred playing with equipment to teaching students, so a move to technician brought massive job satisfaction (apart from the money obviously).

For the last 10 years he's been extremely privileged to be a physics technician at Clifton College in Bristol, which has given him the opportunity to really push equipment to meet new requests and/or problem solve. Simon takes a lot of pride in practicals and demo's working well... Read More →

Friday July 3, 2026 09:45 - 10:45 BST
Physics Lab B (Ground Floor)

physics focussed

10:45 BST

Exhibition and Refreshments

Friday July 3, 2026 10:45 - 11:15 BST

Sports Hall

Friday July 3, 2026 10:45 - 11:15 BST
Sports Hall

11:15 BST

A level biology practicals

Friday July 3, 2026 11:15 - 12:15 BST

Chemistry Lab L (First Floor)

This session will explore how to avoid the pitfalls that can be encountered with the required practicals. We will look at hints and tips to get the best results.

Suitable for all technicians, especially those unfamiliar with A-level.

Speakers

Maureen Wade RSciTech

Senior Science Technician, The Victory Academy

I have been a technician since 1981 having worked in industry, research & development, higher education and schools both state and independent. My interests include being part of a choir and researching genealogy and local history.

Friday July 3, 2026 11:15 - 12:15 BST
Chemistry Lab L (First Floor)

biology focussed

11:15 BST

Fantastic plastics: Hands-on exploration of biopolymers in the lab

Friday July 3, 2026 11:15 - 12:15 BST

Chemistry Lab O (First Floor)

This engaging and practical session introduces science technicians to the fascinating world of bioplastics through three accessible and classroom-friendly experiments. Participants will explore how everyday natural materials—milk, potatoes, and seaweed—can be transformed into plastic-like substances, highlighting key concepts in polymer chemistry, sustainability, and green science.The session...
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Speakers

Paula Egan

Science Lab Technician (Chemistry), Brighton College

Friday July 3, 2026 11:15 - 12:15 BST
Chemistry Lab O (First Floor)

chemistry focussed

11:15 BST

Science outreach: A technician's perspective

Friday July 3, 2026 11:15 - 12:15 BST

Physics Lab A (Ground Floor)

This workshop explores how science technicians can lead meaningful science outreach with primary schools and community groups. How to design and deliver sessions for younger audiences, covering what works, what doesn't, and how to make science accessible and exciting beyond the school lab. The session includes hands-on demonstration activities that attendees are welcome to adapt for their own...
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Speakers

Kat Lawrence

Science Technician, UTC Oxfordshire

Friday July 3, 2026 11:15 - 12:15 BST
Physics Lab A (Ground Floor)

general practice focussed

11:15 BST

Working with glass

Friday July 3, 2026 11:15 - 12:15 BST

Chemistry Lab K (First Floor)

Come along and have a go and making some simple glass items to gain confidence when heating and bending glass. You can keep everything you make, options will include delivery tubes, stirring rods, glass spreaders and U bend tubes amongst others. If you have a glass cutter in your department – bring it with you!This workshop is gratefully supported by the Worshipful Company of Glass...
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Speakers

Tracy Sherwood-Farnfield

Senior Science Technician, The School of Science and Technology (prep room)

I am a Lead technician, with about 17 years experience, currently at a growing comprehensive school in Kent. I started my tech life as a biology technician and althoug I now cover all subjects, biology remains my first love. I am passionate about passing on skills to the next... Read More →

Sponsors

The Glass Sellers Charity

The Glass Sellers’ Charity is delighted to continue its association with the ASE, helping to develop the understanding and usage of the world’s most amazing and diverse product - glass. Our London Livery Company received its Royal Charter in 1664 from Charles II, since then has... Read More →

Friday July 3, 2026 11:15 - 12:15 BST
Chemistry Lab K (First Floor)

general practice focussed

12:15 BST

Lunch and Exhibition

Friday July 3, 2026 12:15 - 13:10 BST

Sports Hall

Speakers

Rachael Bailey

Chair of ASE Technicians Committe / Senior Science Technician, The Orme Academy

Friday July 3, 2026 12:15 - 13:10 BST
Sports Hall

13:15 BST

Food tests with less mess

Friday July 3, 2026 13:15 - 14:15 BST

Chemistry Lab O (First Floor)

Fed up with yucky foodstuffs, mess, and heaps of horrible washing up? Come along and explore some different ways of doing the traditional food test practical with less mess and guaranteed results. A hands-on session with tried and tested hints and tips from technicians for technicians.This session will have a maximum of 20 participants on a first-come, first-served basis on the day, as requested...
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Speakers

Tracey Black RSciTech

Senior Science Technician, St Aldhelm's Academy

Friday July 3, 2026 13:15 - 14:15 BST
Chemistry Lab O (First Floor)

biology focussed

13:15 BST

Chromatography - how to get more than a smear on the paper

Friday July 3, 2026 13:15 - 14:15 BST

Chemistry Lab K (First Floor)

Chromatography experiments can be problematic. Finding the right pens and food dyes where the mixtures will separate into their component parts to the difficulty in getting the distinctive spots that appear on the exam paper rather than a smear on the chromatography paper.

This workshop will explore different methods that are safe, cost effective and give students definitive results.

Speakers

Rachael Bailey

Chair of ASE Technicians Committe / Senior Science Technician, The Orme Academy

Friday July 3, 2026 13:15 - 14:15 BST
Chemistry Lab K (First Floor)

chemistry focussed

13:15 BST

Lone technician to leader; teams and team-building

Friday July 3, 2026 13:15 - 14:15 BST

Physics Lab A (Ground Floor)

Whether a lone technician, part of a team or leading a team, a technician will need the support of other colleagues to make life easier and accomplish tasks.In this workshop participants will look at the teams they may be part of, even as a lone technician, and explore methods of communication and relationship-building in order to establish a strong team or support network. The session will cover...
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Speakers

Jane Oldham RSciTech

Lead Science Technician and Outgoing Chair of ASE, De Ferrers Academy and Association for Science Education

Friday July 3, 2026 13:15 - 14:15 BST
Physics Lab A (Ground Floor)

general practice focussed

13:15 BST

Science clubs: A carousel of fun and engaging experiments

Friday July 3, 2026 13:15 - 14:15 BST

Chemistry Lab L (First Floor)

A hands-on session that will showcase fun and engaging experiments which have been tried and tested at science clubs in schools. Delegates will also have the opportunity to discuss the logistics of running a science club, including possible funding routes.

Speakers

Rachel Gibson

Science Technician, Coombe Dean School, Devon

Sponsors

Salters' Institute

Salters’ Institute is an educational charity that promotes the teaching and learning of chemistry, supports young people to engage with chemistry and chemistry-related sciences, and encourages young people to explore and pursue chemistry-related careers in and beyond the chemical... Read More →

Friday July 3, 2026 13:15 - 14:15 BST
Chemistry Lab L (First Floor)

general practice focussed

14:15 BST

Biology session TBC

Friday July 3, 2026 14:15 - 15:15 BST

Chemistry Lab O (First Floor)

Speakers

Mark Winfield

Science Technician (Biology), Clifton College, Bristol

Friday July 3, 2026 14:15 - 15:15 BST
Chemistry Lab O (First Floor)

biology focussed

14:15 BST

Technicians as demonstrators

Friday July 3, 2026 14:15 - 15:15 BST

Chemistry Lab L (First Floor)

This session will explore the importance of technicians as demonstrators and how best we as technicians can be utilised in a classroom environment.

There will be advice on how to get started with demonstrating, how to build confidence and a short showcase of demonstration examples too.

Speakers

Becky Daniels, RSciTech

Science Technician, St Peter's CofE Academy

Friday July 3, 2026 14:15 - 15:15 BST
Chemistry Lab L (First Floor)

chemistry focussed

14:15 BST

Working with glass

Friday July 3, 2026 14:15 - 15:15 BST

Chemistry Lab K (First Floor)

Come along and have a go and making some simple glass items to gain confidence when heating and bending glass. You can keep everything you make, options will include delivery tubes, stirring rods, glass spreaders and U bend tubes amongst others. If you have a glass cutter in your department – bring it with you!This is a repeat of the glass working session offered this morning - owing to...
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Speakers

Tracy Sherwood-Farnfield

Senior Science Technician, The School of Science and Technology (prep room)

Sponsors

The Glass Sellers Charity

Friday July 3, 2026 14:15 - 15:15 BST
Chemistry Lab K (First Floor)

general practice focussed

14:15 BST

Field Trip: A journey into electromagnetism and motion

Friday July 3, 2026 14:15 - 15:15 BST

Physics Lab B (Ground Floor)

In this workshop delegates will get hands-on with a variety of demonstrations that can be used in the classroom to teach about magnets and electromagentism. Demonstrations will include: what is magnetic force, how a compass works, magnetic fields, the electromagnetic force, electromagnetic motors, how contactless payments work, transformers, strengthening magnets and correcting compasses....
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Speakers

Maureen Wade RSciTech

Senior Science Technician, The Victory Academy

Friday July 3, 2026 14:15 - 15:15 BST
Physics Lab B (Ground Floor)

physics focussed

08:30 BST

09:45 BST

09:45 BST

09:45 BST

09:45 BST

10:45 BST

11:15 BST

11:15 BST

11:15 BST

11:15 BST

12:15 BST

13:15 BST

13:15 BST

13:15 BST

13:15 BST

14:15 BST

14:15 BST

14:15 BST

14:15 BST

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