Research technical professionals as catalysts in advancing open science [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]

The adoption of open science practices is reshaping research, emphasising accessibility, transparency, reproducibility, and collaboration. While much attention has focused on researchers, the role of research technicians and technology specialists (RTPs) in supporting open science remains underexplored. Equipping RTPs with training and tools and ensuring their recognition for adopting best practices can foster more transparent, reproducible, and trustworthy research, benefiting research teams, institutions, funders, the wider scientific community, and society. Furthermore, appropriate support of RTPs carries the potential to create a network of experts equipped to train and support students and researchers in best practices that evolve alongside institutional and funder policies. Empowering research technical professionals in this way will also benefit them directly, enhancing their visibility and recognition within research teams and the broader research community in addition to supporting their career progression. To achieve this, funders, institutions, colleagues, and the broader research community must recognise and engage technicians as equal, vital professionals. Their specialised expertise, often rare and indispensable to research success, must be fully acknowledged and valued. We propose actionable solutions for stakeholders, including institutions, funding agencies, and learned societies, to strengthen their engagement with research technical professionals and enhance their role in advancing open science practices.