NEWSLETTER
JULY
2025
/ ABOUT US
The Maker Space is a digital fabrication and additive manufacturing facilitiy Proudly powered by the Morson Group STEM Foundation, it is home to industrial-grade machinery akin to those on factory floors, facilitating testing and prototyping concepts. Together we champion STEM skills to help cultivate practical digital skills, fostering design, innovation and production skills both in curriculum and for research projects.
/ GOOD NEWS STORY
Rebecca Long-Bailey MP Visits Salford to Explore Cutting-Edge Phage Research, Fri 4th July.
Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Salford, visited the University of Salford to meet researchers working on bacteriophages –viruses that infect bacteria. Funded by the BBSRC, in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, the project explores how phages influence bacterial behaviour in lung infections. During her visit, Rebecca viewed the giant interactive phage models created with the Morson Maker Space and experienced the team’s virtual reality lung infection exhibit. She spoke with researchers about the future of phage therapy and its potential to combat antimicrobial resistance.
/ Make in Salford - Maker Space Impact Report!
This Impact Report highlights how the Maker Space is redefining academic makerspaces by blending STEM education with real-world skills. Informed by insights from students, alumni, staff, and industry partners, the report showcases the facility’s role in producing future-ready graduates
Key findings show the Maker Space powered by the Morson Group STEM Foundation is enhancing student learning, employability, the University’s reputation, and fostering community engagement. The facility creates an environment that builds confidence, develops career-ready skills, drives curriculum innovation, and broadens STEM participation through outreach and access
“AccesstotheMakerSpaceisno longeroptional-it’sessential.We seeacleartransformationin studentswhoengagewithit.They gainhands-onunderstandingof technology’spotentialandlimits, turningclassroomlessonsintorealworldskills,readyforindustry.By thetimetheyenter,they’refluentin thelanguageofinnovation,knowing exactlyhowandwhentouse materialstobringideastolife.These arethestudentsshapingthefuture, andtheoneswe’reeagerto employ." Andy Hassall, Associate Director, Morson Projects.
The report also considers other aspects of the Morson STEM Foundation, including IntoUniversity, and the Go Beyond Women in STEM mentoring programme, and the potential to build on widening our local talent pools for STEM sectors in the future.
"TheMakerSpaceisapowerfulexampleofhoweducationandindustrycancome togethertoshapethefutureofskills.It’snotjustabouttechnology-it’sabout access,opportunity,andinspiringthenextgeneration.MorsonGroupareproudto fosteraninitiativethatnotonlyequipsstudentswithreal-world,industry-ready capabilitiesbutalsochampionscuriosity,inclusivity,andsocialmobility.ThisImpact Reportshowshowinvestinginspaceslikethisdeliverslong-termvalueforindividuals, employers,andthewidereconomy.” Ged Mason OBE, CEO, Morson Group
To read more and the detailed report go to our website: https://makerspace.salford.ac.uk/about-us/publications/
NEWSLETTER
July 2025
/WhatisUnimaker Conference?
Unimaker was originally established by Professor Pete Mylon, Senior University Teacher in Multidisciplinary Engineering Education at the University of Sheffield.
As the founder of the iForge Makerspacethe UK’s first student-led makerspacePete launched Unimaker to highlight the value of their impact on innovation and skills development in academic makerspaces.
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/ Unimaker25 Academic Makerspace Conference
Innovative Learning Spaces: Unlocking the Impact of Maker Spaces
On 26–27 June 2025, the University of Salford’s Maker Space proudly hosted Unimaker 2025, bringing together makers, educators, students, and innovators from across the UK and beyond for two days of collaboration, creativity, and conversation. The conference explored how makerspaces are shaping curriculum design, encouraging cross-campus collaboration, and driving student engagement. Sessions offered practical insights into launching and sustaining makerspaces, highlighting their role in connecting disciplines and institutions.
We welcomed makerspaces from 13 universities, sharing knowledge, showcasing projects, and discussing the future of hands-on learning. Speakers and panels highlighted how these spaces are transforming curricula, digital strategies, community building, and entrepreneurship within universities. A highlight of the event was our vibrant marketplace, where participants showcased innovative maker projects— celebrating the energy, creativity, and impact of maker culture in higher education
The conference started with a welcome by Prof. Neil Currie, Professor in Structural Engineering Practice & Director at Woolgar Hunter sharing “Whyonearthdidwebuild amakerspace?”followed by Dr. Peter Mylon, The University of Sheffield + iForge who gave an overview of the inauguration of Unimaker. The conference was chaired by Dr. Maria Stukoff helping to link talks, panels, and roundtable feedback.
/ Keynote Speakers
We welcomed our inspirational speaker, Navjot Sawhney, founder of The Washing Machine Project – a grassroots social enterprise in the UK to ease the burden of handwashing clothes for women in remote, low-income, and displaced communities by providing an accessible off-grid washing solution.
We also heard from Prof. Corrina Cory, Associate Professor in Engineering & Entrepreneurship at the University of Exeter, and Dr Alejandro Veliz Reyes, Associate Professor in Digital Design, School of Art, Design and Architecture, University of Plymouth. Their talks offered powerful insights into how design, engineering, and social innovation can come together to create lasting impact.
Thanks to our sponsors, University of Salford, Morson Group, RS, and Additive X, whose generous support made this event possible.
https://makerspace.salford.ac.uk/events/unimaker-2025/
NEWSLETTER
July 2025
/ It'sawrap!Ouramazing IGNITIONSummerSchool!
The IGNITION STEM Summer School gives young people the chance to experience life as an engineering student through a fun, handson programme. Over two days, students worked in teams to design, build, and race remote-controlled cars in a scaled-down version of the IMechE Formula Student competition. Using the Morson Maker Space’s digital fabrication facilities, including 3D printers and laser cutters, they developed key skills in electronics, automotive systems, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Jon Callahan,Head of Engineering at Morson Projects, delivered an inspiring talk on engineering and motorsport, sharing his own career journey and highlighting the exciting opportunities in STEM. Students also had the chance to see the Salford Racing Team’s fullsize Formula Student car, ahead of its entry at Silverstone this summer.
The IGNITION STEM Summer School, part of the Morson Group STEM Foundation, aims to inspire the next generation of engineers from all backgrounds.
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/ Spotlight on Student Innovation: James Dawes / Acoustics, Engineering, and Digital Fabrication
James Dawes, a second-year BEng Acoustical Engineering student, is completing his industrial placement with the University of Salford’s Acoustics Team. His work reflects the interdisciplinary innovation fostered in the Maker Space, bridging engineering, digital manufacturing, and the performing arts. A regular Maker Space user, James focuses on advanced prototyping and 3D printing. Starting with small projects, he progressed to designing and producing technically complex instruments, including a modular, working Renaissance cornett—combining engineering precision with acoustic performance.
An accomplished trumpet player, James performs with the University’s Contemporary Music Ensemble and other local bands. His musical experience directly shapes his design work, resulting in high-performing prototypes. James credits the Maker Space as key to his progress:
“TheMakerSpacehasbeenabsolutelyessential.It’snotjustthetoolsandprinters— it’sthesupportwithfinishingprocessesthat’smadetheseprojectsachievable.”
He is now exploring experimental acoustic analysis, designing a custom impedance measurement system for brass instruments to map frequency response patterns— research he plans to develop for his final year project.
/ Aviation Heritage: Inspiring the Future Engineering
The Morson Maker Space is working with postgraduate researcher Mike MacGlashan to support Speke Aerodrome Heritage Group in restoring a rare WWII-era Percival Prince aircraft. Using CNC routing, 3D scanning, and digital design tools, Mike is recreating authentic 1950s interior components, including aircraft lights.
Salford aeronautical engineering students will visit the restoration site to measure and suggest design improvements as part of a live project. Led by volunteers like Mike and funded by grants and donations, the project blends real-world learning with innovation and heritage preservation—bringing aviation history to life and inspiring future engineers.
