Science is a delicate ecosystem where a great diversity of people coexist with intertwined roles and functions. Everyone working for science is essential and contributes to the advancement of knowledge and the evolution of the scientific sector itself. Therefore, science offers exciting opportunities, each more unique than the last, sharing a common link: high specialization. Although for organizational reasons, personnel are classified into three groups (researchers, technicians, and managers), in reality, there is often no clear boundary between them, ensuring effective, coordinated, and efficient operation. For this reason, it is essential to recognize the value and contribution of all personnel serving Science, particularly technical-scientific staff and scientific management technicians (hereafter referred to as ‘technical staff’).
This conference, aimed at society as a whole, seeks to promote the visibility of the technical community, strengthen their capabilities, enhance their impact, and attract new talent. The conference will be developed with a comprehensive approach encompassing three pillars: public service, knowledge transfer, and networking.

This initiative leads and paves the way for a movement of great social relevance: a broad alliance among its various sectors, organizations, and entities, highlighting and making visible the entire scientific ecosystem. The initiative stems from the 2022 amendment of the Law on Science, Innovation, and Technology, which finally recognizes the importance of technical-scientific and scientific management staff in research, innovation, and development.

This conference also responds to various international and European initiatives advocating for equitable professional development in the scientific and technical fields, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to reduce inequalities, promote decent work, and gender equality (SDGs 10, 8, 5). Promoting mobility, continuous training, and strengthening professional networks are key aspects that contribute to the inclusion of technical and scientific management staff at all levels of science. Furthermore, the European Strategy for Innovation and Technology promotes interdisciplinary cooperation and the optimization of scientific resources through the creation of collaborative networks. This conference will help ensure that technical staff actively participate in the national and European context, contributing to knowledge transfer and innovation. Therefore, this conference will strengthen science in Spain and be a key step toward transforming the international scientific ecosystem.

Organising this event responds to the growing need to make visible and enhance the role of technical and scientific management staff in public research organisations. Despite their crucial involvement in research, innovation, and project development, technical-scientific and scientific management staff do not receive the same recognition as other groups. The main purpose of this event is to highlight their indispensable contribution and, in doing so, pave the way for their professional growth, encourage collaborative work, foster exchange between different centers and sectors, and promote greater transparency and efficiency in the use of public resources.