We are delighted to see that a couple of our IST registrants now feature within the case studies being profiled on the Science Council’s website. Both registrants describe why they chose to register and how they benefit.
Laurence Dawkins-Hall, FIScT, CSci
“Since completing my degree in Biomedical Sciences in 1987, I have accumulated 25 years of experience, engendering lab based skills pertaining to molecular biology, cell biology, genetics and genomics & drug discovery. However, in the absence of a Ph.D. I hitherto had no professional qualification validating this experience; this is one of the functions of Professional Registration.
CSci is the highest level of Professional Registration and, apart from independent laboratory duties, accredits additional responsibilities relating to Lab management duties, e.g. training and teaching. However, with support and clarification from the Science Council, it was made clear to me that this could mean training of individuals and not just project management or team leader duties. As a consequence, I successfully transitioned from RSci to CSci in the absence of a project management remit
Professional Registration accredits your work based experiences and so is useful just from that perspective. In terms of grading it is fully permissible to apply for RSci or CSci as a technician; It doesn’t follow that you can only apply for RSci Tech as a technician. It relates entirely to your current job role, types of experience and not your job title. So aim high !!”
Laurence was recently elected as a Fellow of the IST and we look forward to working with him to develop/enhance professional technical personnel in his University and region. View Laurence’s Profile on the Science Council website
Jemma Walker, MIScT RSci
“Through professional registration, I am able to present myself as a serious and professional scientist. The status that it provides allows colleagues and potential collaborators to see that I make every effort to be a well-rounded scientist.
The requirements of professional registration, to maintain a current Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio, encourages me to involve myself in more extracurricular activities and to reflect more deeply on the value of the work that I do.
Being a member of my professional body (the Institute of Science and Technology (IST)) gives me the opportunity to connect with other professionals in my field. Access to the IST’s publications and website is a valuable resource that encourages me in my work and broadens my knowledge of the work of others.
For anyone thinking about professional registration… I think that you should seize the opportunity that professional registration can provide. Through a little extra effort and self-evaluation a professional scientist can easily get the recognition for the work that you do. Professional registration allows us all to showcase our best selves and to get the support of our professional bodies and the Science Council, in becoming even better.”
Jemma has been an active member of the IST for several years and was one of our early RSci registrants, who clearly gains considerable benefit from registration. View Jemma’s Profile on the Science Council website