The importance of science technicians is something recognised and valued by ASE members across the country. This issue’s opening leadership article shares key strategies for leading a school science technician team.  features two practical ideas articles by science technician John Jermy and a centrefold featuring some stunning crystal images from technicians Paul Cook and Katia Rodrigues.

Technical Teacher Fellow Alison Ackroyd shares her college’s use of electronic laboratory notebooks with students in ‘Bringing industry practice into the college laboratory’. Caroline Millman is the course leader for the food industry technical professional degree apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam University. Her article shares the wide range of career possibilities in the sector as well as some of her recent research into student pathways into a career in the food industry.