“For technical professionals, specialists and managerial staff working in a variety of science, creative and technology fields, membership of the Institute can help with advancing your current career and beyond.”
Says Michael N. Quigley, FIScT.
The Institute celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023 and since the time of its establishment in 1948 as the Science Technologists Association it has been at the forefront of science and the technologies appreciation. After all, it’s science technologists in general who enable the smooth running of thousands of research centres, laboratories, workshops and studios.
Whether you are considering joining the Institute or are maintaining your current membership, here are ten reasons to applaud your decision.
- Professional Home. Membership of the Institute provides access to news and views of interest to science and creative technologists around the world. While specialisations, cultures and countries may be different, all members should feel welcomed, and be imbued with a sense of community, acceptance and inclusion.
- Advocacy. The Institute remains true to its origins in promoting the interests of laboratory technicians. However, the Institute has become a much more expansive advocate due partly to its involvement with STEMM, AI, digital and creative technologies.
- Recognition. Membership of the Institute affirms that your knowledge, skills and experience are recognised and valued by employers and appreciated by a management team dedicated to your success. The same team is also committed to active participation in furthering awareness in science and technology.
- Development. With affordable membership grades of Affiliate, Associate, Member and Fellow, the Institute provides an ascending pathway as you progress throughout your career.
- Partnerships. Through its partnerships with a diverse range of organisations, institutions, universities and colleges, the Institute strongly advocates on behalf of science technologists. Such partnerships help establish and refine standards of excellence together with fostering an appreciation for the membership in general.
- Registration. The Institute is licensed via its partnership with the Science Council to award the elite designations of Registered Science Technician (RSci Tech), Registered Scientist (RSci) and Chartered Scientist (CSci). The IST also offer registration with the designations RTechAI, RTCIT, RPAI, RPCIT, APAI and APCIT. This provides parity of professional recognition for AI professionals and Creative Technologists. Read more here about the AI registers and the Creative registers.
- Credibility. Membership of the Institute indicates a strong commitment to your specialisation, together with a willingness to uphold standards of professionalism, codes of ethics and conduct.
- Learning. Membership of the Institute opens many opportunities for CPD learning through attendance of events and conferences as well as through the Institute web site and online publications “The Tech Magazine” and “The Journal”.
- Special Interest Groups. Membership of the Institute allows access to groups of members sharing a common interest. Currently, such groups include the “Artificial Intelligence SIG”, “Women in Tech SIG” and the “Scottish Networking Group”. Opportunities may also exist for the creation of new SIGs.
- Membership Networking. Membership of the Institute facilitates communication between members in the same local company or organisation, or with those in different facilities around the world.
Membership of the Institute is as valid for those just starting their careers as it is for those who are intent on consolidating their achievements over many years. Ultimately, membership is a way for you to demonstrate a commitment to science and technology now and into the future.
About the Author: Michael Quigley, FIScT serves as the CEO of Createc Corporation in Ithaca, New York. He has an extensive background in analytical chemistry, clinical chemistry, marine chemistry & biology, chemistry education, educational research, plant sciences, and agricultural science. Michael’s work is matched with considerable publishing experience.