We are delighted to announce the award of 2 new Fellowships :
- John Paul Ashton-Kinlin FIScT RSci
- Anthony Roberts FIScT
All our new Fellows were recognised both for their expertise in their individual fields but also for their outstanding contribution to the IST and the wider technical community.
JP Ashton-Kinlin FIScT RSci – Managing Director and IST Marketing and Development Officer
John-Paul commenced his career working in industry before moving to the University of Sheffield Biomedical Science Department in 2013. Whilst at the University, JP took on many technical and co-ordinator roles collaborating with international institutions and carried out various research projects in neuroscience, cardiovascular science and behaviour analysis. During this time, JP became a member of the Technicians Network and became Co-chair in 2017. At the same time he was involved with the University Technician Commitment Steering Group, championing the technical community.John-Paul side-stepped into the business world in 2018 (firstly alongside his position at the University) by setting up and running his own companies, using the skills he developed from working as a technician. One of his businesses generates a gross annual turnover of £500,000 and has a workforce of over 100 staff; a mixture of full-time and part-time roles.
In 2024, JP became a member of the IST Executive. As Marketing & Development Officer he oversees the marketing plan as well as finding ways to enhance the way the IST operates to make it a better experience for members. Along with members of the Executive committee and wider technical community, JP was instrumental in setting up the new creative registration scheme run by the IST, as well as designing and developing the Publications; including the Journal, the Tech Magazine and the Bulletin.
“The IST as a whole, are instrumental in supporting the technical workforce, and I am incredibly proud to be part of supporting that community. I am thrilled to be a member of the IST. I look forward to working with the IST over the next years to further our ever changing landscape in the technical community as a Fellow of the IST.”
Anthony Roberts FIScT – Head of Technical Support at London South Bank University
Tony is the Head of Technical Support (HoTS) at London South Bank University. This is one of five senior posts reporting to the Director of Digital Technology Transformation and a member of the Academic Related Resources (ARR) Strategic Development Team.
The HoTS is responsible for defining and delivering the Technical Services strategy that will provide students with an individualised learning experience to enhance their employability and support commercial activity and projects that advance the University’s research and enterprise portfolio.
Key features of Tony’s role include;
1. Leading on the strategic development, implementation and management of the University’s technical support strategy and operational plans.
2. Leading, motivating and managing internal teams and contracted suppliers, in creating and maintaining a first class academic environment.
3. Building strong effective relationships with stakeholders ensuring that their needs and expectations are understood and managed whilst ensuring effectiveness and organisational confidence in the service delivered.