Health Data Research UK has renewed its commitment to supporting technical specialists across the health data research sector, following a self-assessment of its progress under the Technician Commitment.

The renewed Action Plan 2026-2029 focuses on four key priorities: 

  1. Recognise and champion technical expertise: Strengthening the visibility, recognition and profile of Technical Specialists across HDR UK, including through reviewing how their contributions are recognised in research outputs. 
  2. Build a connected and inclusive community: Creating opportunities for technical specialists to connect, contribute and progress, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. 
  3. Develop skills, careers and leadership: Expanding training, career pathways, mentoring and opportunities for professional development, including structured support to early career technical specialists develop into future leaders.  
  4. Embed the Technician Commitment: Making support and recognition of technical specialists an integral part of HDR UK’s culture and practice. 

These priorities provide a clear focus for the next phase of our work, building on progress to date while addressing the work still to be done to ensure technical specialists are recognised, supported and able to develop their careers and expertise.  

Read the 2026-29 Action Plan in more detail here