Maker - or hacker - spaces are increasingly popular on University campuses across the world, partly to encourage a spirit of entrepreneurship, partly to realise the huge potential in making, playing and creating.

In 2015, the Science and Engineering Graduate School ran a successful pop-up makerspace as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. More than 400 students/staff visited the makerspace and participated in a workshop or made something using the equipment housed in the space.

We are now intending to run a second pop-up event in Spring 2017. It is vital that this space is inclusive and that we work together with colleagues/students in the other Colleges.

In simple terms, a makerspace is a space where people from science, social science, arts and humanities backgrounds collaborate and where they are provided with the access to tools and the new technologies through which to do so.

It is about being creative and curious, ambitious and adventurous and providing a facility that is a ‘melting pot’ for interdisciplinary interaction amongst members of the University community; a place where artists, engineers, designers, psychologists, musicians and others can ‘learn, play and create’ in an enabling space.

We are looking for people from across the University, students and staff, whether administrative or academic, who would like to be on our working group and help us to deliver a better, bolder, bigger makerspace that attracts a wide audience. Essentially, if you think this is a great idea and feel you could contribute in any way, no matter what your skill base or knowledge we would like to hear from you!

Get in touch: makerspace@glasgow.ac.uk

First published: 4 October 2016

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