Technical Strategy & Operations

Our departmentsTechnical Strategy & OperationsStaff DevelopmentProfessional RegistrationCorporate Affiliation (IST)

Corporate Affiliation

Institute of Science and Technology (IST)

The University of Exeter has Corporate Affiliation with the Institute of Science and Technology (IST) – one of the professional bodies licensed to award RSci, RSciTech and CSci.

Association with professional bodies provide benefits to both employers and employees. The University of Exeter is supportive of the IST’s aims, objectives and activities and is committed to the continuing professional development of our technical staff.

The IST encourages its members to pursue training and qualifications, tailored to their needs, so that they can expand their skills and respond to an ever-changing workplace. This, in turn, means better job prospects for members and gives employers the professional, 21st century technicians they need to progress in today’s economy.

Benefits to Technical Services and our technical staff are:

How do I become a member?

  • Application for membership at Junior, Affiliate, Associate and Member grades can be made by email to the IST office using the standard application form which is available for download here. The form must be accompanied by a copy of each relevant certificate, diploma etc (scanned copies sent electronically are accepted).
  • Completed applications should be emailed through to memberships@istonline.org.uk
  • As part of our continued commitment to our technical staff and their personal/professional development, Technical Services will cover the costs of initial membership fees to the Institute of Science and Technology (IST).  
  • More guidance can be found on the IST website.

Professional Registration with the IST

  • Professional Registration with the IST is available at 3 levels. Click on one of the links below to find out more:
    • Registered Science Technician (RSciTech):  For staff in technical roles – candidates will typically (but not exclusively) be qualified to at least QCF level 3 and will be applying this knowledge to their roles. It provides recognition in its own right but can also be a springboard to RSci or CSci status
    • Registered Scientist (RSci):  For staff in scientific and senior technical roles – candidates will typically (but not exclusively) be qualified to at least QCF level 5 and will be applying this knowledge to their roles. It provides recognition in its own right but can also be a springboard to CSci status
    • Chartered Scientist (CSci):  For staff in senior scientific and leadership roles – candidates will typically be qualified to at least QCF level 7 and applying their knowledge in their roles. CSci status is a well established benchmark across the professions
  • Whilst Technical Services will pay for the initial IST membership, individuals will be required to pay to cover their own individual registration fee (from £35 for RSci/RSciTech to £45 for CSci) and subsequent annual fees.