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Who are the IST

Supporting the Professional Technical Community Since 1948

Our Values

Inclusive:
To be inclusive, we welcome technical professionals from all sectors, disciplines and backgrounds, recognising that diversity strengthens innovation and professional excellence.

Excellence:
To achieve excellence, we promote high standards, lifelong learning and continual improvement, supporting individuals and organisations to achieve their full potential.

Teamwork:
To succeed together, we collaborate with members, partners and stakeholders to share knowledge, develop solutions and strengthen the technical profession together.

Our Vision: To be the professional body of choice for the technical workforce.

We believe technical professionals are essential to innovation, education, research, public services and economic growth. Through recognition, development, networking and advocacy, we help individuals and organisations thrive.

Our Mission: To inspire lifelong learning & development, advance professional excellence and strengthen the technical community.

We achieve this by providing:

  • Professional registration and recognition
  • CPD / PPD opportunities
  • Training and events
  • Publications and knowledge sharing
  • Networks and communities of practice
  • Professional guidance and resources
  • Advocacy and national representation

Use the dropdowns below to find out more about the IST:

Our History

For more than 75 years, the Institute has championed the technicians and technical professionals who make an incredible contribution to the Global stage.

Established in 1948 as the Science Technologists Association and incorporated in 1954, the organisation evolved into the Institute of Science Technology before becoming the Institute of Science & Technology (IST) in 2007.

Originally focused on laboratory science and scientific technology, the IST has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of the professional technical workforce. Today, we support technicians, specialists, practitioners, managers and leaders working across science, engineering, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, creative industries, education, healthcare, research, government and industry.

While our roots stem from science, our future is firmly focused on the wider technical profession and the technologies associated.

Our Support for a Modern Technical Workforce

The world has changed dramatically since 1948.

Today’s technical professionals operate in increasingly interdisciplinary environments where science, engineering, artificial intelligence, digital technologies and creativity often intersect.

The IST has evolved alongside these changes and now supports professionals across four broad technical domains:

  1. Science and STEMM Sectors
  2. Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies
  3. Creative Industries and Technologies
  4. Technical Development – from Apprentices and T Level Learners to Management and Leadership

Our Partnerships

The IST works collaboratively with leading organisations across education, industry, government and the professional body sector. Our partnerships help strengthen technical careers, influence standards and expand opportunities for our members.

Key partners include:

  • National Technician Development Centre (NTDC)
  • Higher Education and Technician Educational Development (HEaTED)
  • Science Council
  • Creative UK
  • Science Council Apprenticeship Forum
  • Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE)
  • Technical Managers in Universities (TMU)
  • University Bioscience Managers Association (UBMA)
  • Alan Turing Institute
  • Responsible AI Institute
  • Scottish AI Alliance
  • CEN-CENELEC (European Committee for Standardization)
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Cambridge

Alongside many other organisations committed to advancing professional practice and technical excellence.

Our Impact

Recognition and Development

The IST exists to create meaningful impact for individuals, organisations and the wider technical community.

Professional Recognition

We provide professional registration pathways that recognise competence, professionalism and leadership.

Through our licensed Science Council registrations and our specialist Artificial Intelligence registers and Creative Industries registers, we are helping raise standards and increase visibility for technical professionals.

Professional Development

Every year we support members through:

  • Training courses
  • Conferences and events
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Mentoring opportunities
  • Professional and Personal Development (PPD / CPD)

Our focus is on helping technical professionals develop throughout their careers, from apprentices and early-career technicians to senior leaders and Fellows.

Publications and Knowledge Sharing

Through our Journal, The Tech Magazine, blogs and digital content, we provide accessible publishing opportunities and showcase technical excellence across sectors.

Many members publish for the first time through the IST, helping develop confidence, visibility and professional reputation.

Voice and Influence

We actively contribute to conversations around:

  • Technical careers
  • Professional standards
  • Artificial Intelligence, Creative Technologies and STEMM Sectors
  • Skills development
  • Sustainability and the Environment
  • Education and training
  • Workforce development

By working with government, industry and professional partners, we help ensure the technical workforce has a voice in shaping future policy and practice.

Sustainability and Future Skills

We recognise the crucial role technical professionals play in addressing global challenges.

The IST supports sustainable practice, responsible innovation and future-focused skills development, ensuring members are equipped for emerging technologies and changing workforce needs.

Looking Forward

The technical workforce has never been more important.

From artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, sustainability and creative technologies, technical professionals are helping solve some of society’s biggest challenges.

The IST will continue to champion, support and recognise these professionals, providing the community, development opportunities and professional recognition needed to help them succeed.

Together, we are building a stronger, more visible and more influential technical profession.