University of Leicester Bake Off star to join Vice-Chancellor at UK technicians conference
Dr Josh Smalley, left, and Professor Nishan Canagarajah.
The University of Leicester’s Great British Bake Off finalist will join the institution’s Vice-Chancellor at the UK’s largest conference for technical professionals in higher education and research.
It is the 10th anniversary year for the UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS) 2025 and Papin Prizes which is taking place on Wednesday 9 July 2025 in Leicestershire.
Dr Josh Smalley, science communicator with a doctorate in chemical biology and finalist of The BBC’s Great British Bake Off 2023 will deliver a talk and President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Nishan Canagarajah will open the event.
The conference’s keynote speech will be delivered by Sara Davies MBE, founder of Crafter’s Companion and former BBC’s Dragons’ Den dragon.
Five hundred technical professionals from across the UK are attending HETS 2025 which offers 30 workshops, networking opportunities and the acclaimed Papin Prizes presented across 10 categories.
Dr Kelly Vere, MBE, director of the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy and Technician Commitment, said: “We’re delighted to be joined by Professor Canagarajah and Dr Smalley – science communicator, chemical biology researcher, and finalist of The Great British Bake Off 2023 who will deliver an inspiring talk that brings science, creativity, and communication together.”
She added: “We’re also thrilled to be welcoming Sara Davies to HETS 2025. She will share her unique perspective on the value of technical skills and careers – drawing on her own journey and her work across craft, television and other technical fields
“As a passionate advocate for technical education, Sara will also help us launch a new suite of resources to support universities in engaging with T Level industry placements. We’re equally honoured that she will present this year’s Papin Prizes, celebrating outstanding contributions across the UK’s technical community.
“Attendees can choose from a packed programme of workshops covering a wide range of topics relevant to the technical community, including research culture, sustainability, apprenticeships, professional accreditation for AI and creative technology practitioners, and a live podcast recording. Another highlight will be a session on the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and what it means for technical professionals.
“We look forward to welcoming 500 technical professionals to the event, which is kindly sponsored by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Midlands Innovation and supported by the Gatsby Foundation.”
HETS 2025 builds on the success of five previous summits held at Nottingham, Birmingham and Warwick.
The event is fully booked with a waiting list and is taking place on Wednesday 9 July at Leonardo Conference Centre, Watling St, Burbage, Hinckley, LE10 3JA.