Successful Launch of the UCL LLIDER Tech Network

On 12 March, the UCL LLIDER Tech Network was formally launched, marking a significant development in the professional growth and networking of over 1,000 technical professionals across UCL.

The LLIDER Tech Network initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Han Wu (Research Laboratories Manager at UCL Department of Chemical Engineering) and supported by Isabel Goncalves Cattuzzo (Technical Skills Development Hub Manager / Co-Chair at UCL Technical Managers Group (TMG)), was made possible through funding from the UCL Research Culture Seed Fund. 

The event attracted a large and diverse audience, comprising both new and longstanding colleagues who gathered to celebrate the launch of this important network. Dr Han Wu expressed his enthusiasm for the occasion, stating, “I am pleased to announce the successful launch of the LLIDER Tech Network at UCL. It was a privilege to see so many new faces and reconnect with familiar colleagues as we celebrated this milestone.” 

One of the most memorable moments of the event was the address by Prof Christopher Thrasivoulou (Professorial Research Fellow & Director of the Division of Biosciences Imaging Facility), who shared his remarkable career journey. His story serves as an inspiration to others in the technical field, particularly his success in securing 12 equipment grants between 2017 and 2024, ranging from £20,000 to £800,000, both as a Co-Investigator and Principal Investigator. 

Prof Carmine Galasso (Deputy Vice-Dean for Research) also delivered a presentation on the Faculty of Engineering Science’s commitment to supporting technical development. 

Following this, a highly engaging panel discussion took place with Prof Carmine Galasso, Laura Fenner (Senior Research Facilitator), Isabel Goncalves Cattuzzo , and Prof Christopher Thrasivoulou. 

A special thanks was extended to Mike Brown (Director of Biological Services at UCL) for his exceptional support from the UCL Technical Skills Development Hub (TSDH) and to UCL Research Culture for funding the initiative. Additionally, Dr Han Wu expressed her gratitude to Toby Neville (Departmental Technical Operations Manager) for his ongoing advice and support in ensuring the successful launch of the network. 
 
As the LLIDER Tech Network continues to expand, it is poised to play a key role in fostering professional connections, promoting skills development, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge among technical professionals across UCL. 

Links: 

• Research Culture Seed Fund 
• Research Culture at UCL 
• Dr Han Wu’s UCL Profile 
• Prof Christopher Thrasivoulou’s UCL Profile 
• Prof Carmine Galasso’s UCL Profile 
• Isabel Goncalves Cattuzzo’s UCL Profile 
• Toby Neville’s UCL Profile 

Image Credit: 

Dr Han Wu 

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