Our definition of science

It is difficult to define what makes someone a science technician. 

The word technician  itself is often omitted from job titles because of its association with low status and low skilled support roles. 

The truth is that science technicians cover a wide variety of highly skilled positions – they could be a software programmer in a research laboratory, or they could be a sound engineer in a recording studio.

A technician is a person who is skilled in the use of particular techniques and procedures to solve practical problems, often in ways that require considerable ingenuity and creativity. Technicians typically work with complex instruments and equipment, and require specialised training, as well as considerable practical experience, in order to do their job effectively.”

(Barley and Orr 1997: 12-15; OECD 2002: 92-94; Technician Council 2011). Lewis & Gospel 2011

They are effective problem-solvers, managing complex processes and mathematical concepts to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and consistency. They support the use of the scientific method to broaden understanding, analyse results, and deliver the benefits of real discovery. 

They are highly sought-after, praised for their unique skills and expertise, and can reach senior positions in many industries. But despite the opportunities, there is a shortage of science technicians in the UK. 

The use of technician is returning in job descriptions – an acknowledgement that scientific progress will be limited without a skilled technical workforce. 

Technicians often work in coordinated teams spanning different disciplines and geographies, working together to tackle contemporary research questions. And they develop new and improved approaches to implement technologies and methodologies to better address these questions. 

They include: data scientists, data engineers, archivists, informaticians, statisticians, software developers, audio-visual technologists, technical professional staff and individuals staffing core facilities, across all disciplines. 

The right of the Science Council to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Design and Patent Act 1988.  © Science Council 2017 

A scientist is someone who systematically gathers and uses research and evidence, to make hypotheses and test them, to gain and share understanding and knowledge. 

A scientist can be further defined by: 

• how they go about this, for instance by use of statistics (statisticians) or data (data scientists). 

• what they’re seeking understanding of, for instance the elements in the universe (chemists, geologists etc), or the stars in the sky (astronomers). 

• where they apply their science, for instance in the food industry (food scientist). 

However all scientists are united by their relentless curiosity and systematic approach to assuaging it. 

If you would like to comment on this definition, please contact us. 

The right of the Science Council to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Design and Patent Act 1988. © Science Council 2016 

A Professional Body is an organisation with individual members practicing a profession or occupation in which the organisation maintains an oversight of the knowledge, skills, conduct and practice of that profession or occupation. 

In the case of a science Professional Body, the members of the professional body should be practicing science. 

Find out which Professional Bodies are licensed by the Science Council to award professional registration. 

The right of the Science Council to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Design and Patent Act 1988. © Science Council 2017