Writing yourself in: funding opportunities for technicians and how to apply for them

Alex Laude was appointed Head of Biomedical Research Facilities in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University in 2023. Before that, and from 2010, Alex managed the faculty’s Bio Imaging Unit, a light microscopy core facility.

In his current role, Alex coordinates and oversees the faculty’s twelve research facilities. This involves thinking strategically about how facilities are developed, funded, and maintained, and making sure they stay cutting edge and aligned with the University’s research priorities in a changing and challenging environment.

In 2024, Alex co founded the UK Research Facility Coordinators Network (RFCN) alongside colleagues in similar roles across the country. This was to support his work in Newcastle but also to bring together people who manage shared research facilities in UK universities, with a focus on sharing best practice, improving sustainability, and strengthening how facilities are run and supported.

Alongside this work, Alex is passionate about helping technical staff access funding in their own right. Research funding is highly competitive at the moment, but there are real opportunities out there for technicians - if you know where to look and how to approach them that is.

In the seminar, Alex will share his career journey, talk about his work at Newcastle, and give an overview of the funding opportunities for technical staff and Research Technical Professionals. He’ll also offer some practical advice on how technical staff can get involved in funding bids, or even lead them, and make the most of their skills and experience.

Seminar organised by - The Technician and Academic Liaison Group (TALG).