The Faculty of Engineering's lead for co-curricular activities, Pete Mylon chaired the International Symposium on Academic Makerspaces (ISAM) 2024, hosted here at the University of Sheffield in collaboration with our own UNIMAKER conference. It was a significant milestone for both ISAM and Sheffield, with over 250 delegates from across the world joining us to explore the role of makerspaces in transforming education. ISAM is an annual event where the academic makerspace community comes together to share knowledge, show off innovations, and discuss the best practices that make these spaces thrive. If you’re not familiar with the term, makerspaces are hands-on, collaborative workspaces that give students the chance to explore, learn, and create. They’re an integral part of engineering education now, and they’re really helping students think creatively and develop practical skills.
Sheffield, the “City of Makers”, with its deep history of innovation, was an ideal setting for this event. The University’s iForge—the UK’s first student-led makerspace—served as a focal point, demonstrating the power of student-driven initiatives in enhancing creativity, practical skills, and problem-solving in engineering education.
A Landmark Event for ISAM and Sheffield
This year marked the first time ISAM was held outside of the United States, reinforcing the University of Sheffield’s reputation as a global leader in academic makerspaces and a hub for engineering education. The gathering included participants from across the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, continental Europe, India, Hong Kong, and Australia, bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences that enriched the event.
The energy throughout the symposium was palpable, and it was clear that the discussions, panels, and workshops resonated deeply with attendees. For me, seeing so many participants leave inspired, eager to implement new ideas in their own makerspaces was a great reward for all the hard work we put in to organise it.
Keynote: Ruth Amos – Inspiring the Next Generation of Makers
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| Keynote speaker, Ruth Amos, inspired us with the story of her journey into Making |
A particular highlight of ISAM 2024 was the keynote address by Sheffield's own Ruth Amos, made possible by support from Visit Britain. An award-winning inventor and advocate for STEM education, Ruth gained national attention as a teenager for inventing the StairSteady, and has since gone on to inspire thousands of young people through her projects and YouTube channel, "Kids Invent Stuff." Her keynote speech struck a chord with attendees, as she shared her journey from a girl with no interest in STEM to becoming an inventor with a global following, and encouraged us to learn from the fearlessness and creativity of kids.
Ruth spoke passionately about her mission to engage young people, particularly girls, in engineering and making. She also shared some great stories and videos of the more eccentric inventions created through "Kids Invent Stuff," including the world’s largest electric toothbrush, which recently earned a spot in the Guinness World Records. The combination of her technical achievements and infectious enthusiasm left attendees inspired and energised, and there was a big queue for her book signing!
Panels, Workshops, and Collaborative Discussions
The symposium had a packed programme, with presentations, videos, panels, and workshops that really got people talking and collaborating. We covered a wide range of topics—innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainability, bringing makerspaces into the curriculum, and how to engage communities. The panel discussions were especially lively, tackling big issues like “Diversity and Inclusion in Makerspaces," "International Contexts for Makerspaces," and how students can step up as leaders in these spaces.
For those new to makerspaces, we had some hands-on workshops on how to design, build, and manage a makerspace, along with sessions on prototyping techniques. Experts from Carnegie Mellon and Olin College led these, giving attendees plenty of practical skills and ideas to take back to their institutions.
Celebrating Sheffield’s Heritage
The social elements of ISAM 2024 were equally significant, allowing delegates to connect with Sheffield’s industrial heritage. The opening reception at the Winter Garden featured student-led projects, including a rocket and an eco-car, showcasing the creativity and talent nurtured in our makerspaces.
The gala dinner at Cutlers’ Hall was another memorable moment, where attendees heard from the Master Cutler about Sheffield’s legacy in craftsmanship, from its knife-making history to the invention of stainless steel. These events highlighted the ongoing connection between Sheffield’s past and its role as a leader in innovation today.
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| Gala Dinner at Cutlers’ Hall and the Master Cutler |
For many, a visit to Chatsworth House provided a cultural highlight. Delegates explored the grandeur of the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, a site that is believed to have inspired Jane Austen's depiction of Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice.
Feedback from Attendees
ISAM 2024 received glowing feedback from attendees. Delegates loved the atmosphere and praised the organisation and hospitality, which is a testament to the great work of Charis, Matt and the team in organising it!
Richard Tunstall from the University of Leeds described the event as "a fantastic few days, full of opportunities to learn and share on topics from community to curriculum." The ETH Zurich Student Project House team expressed their excitement about participating in such a collaborative environment, noting the "fresh insights" they gained on increasing diversity and promoting sustainability in makerspaces.
Fiona Rourke from the University of Exeter reflected on the takeaways from the event: "It was brilliant to be immersed in conversations about makerspaces... I’m looking forward to digging deeper into topics like student-led models and alternative training methods."
Looking Ahead
ISAM 2024 underscored the power of collaboration within the makerspace community. The conversations and connections formed during the symposium will undoubtedly shape the future of academic makerspaces worldwide.
As ISAM moves to UC Berkeley in 2025, I am confident that the momentum from this year will continue to build. Meanwhile, UNIMAKER will continue its legacy in the UK, with the next event scheduled to be held at the University of Salford on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th June 2025. UNIMAKER 2025 will once again bring together educators, students, and makerspace leaders to explore cutting-edge innovations and foster collaboration in the makerspace community.
If you’re involved in makerspaces or are passionate about maker education, make sure to mark your calendars for these events for more insights, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning.
In closing, I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in making ISAM 2024 such a success. It was a privilege to be part of an event that celebrated innovation, education, and making on a global scale.
Conference organisers (L-R): Matt Jacobs, Pete Mylon and Charis Bronze