UNIMAKER is a conference for anyone working or studying in and around Higher Education who loves making, creating, designing, inventing, building and exploring using a range of different tools and materials.

Started in 2019, this exciting forum attracted delegates from over 20 institutions from across the UK with a diverse and dynamic programme. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, UNIMAKER 2020 went online, attracting over 100 delegates from across the world over two days.

UNIMAKER 2021 will be held in The Diamond Building in Sheffield, UK on 15 and 16 September 2021. We are still in the planning stages, so specific details are yet to be decided.

We are now calling for Proposals.  If you are interested in participating in the conference, please complete a Call for Proposals form by Midnight on Friday 14 May 2021.

We are also asking for potential attendees, sponsors and exhibitors to register your interest here to receive news and updates as planning progresses.

We are planning for the conference to be in-person however sessions will be available to viewed remotely via our digital media so in-person attendance is not compulsory.

Be a part of the UNIMAKER community — join us on LinkedIn.

We are planning for the conference to be in-person however sessions will be available to view remotely via our digital media so in-person attendance is not compulsory.

The overarching themes are;

• Remote Making and learning outside the makerspace
• The A to Z of Making – showcasing diverse applications from bioengineering to sewing
• Starting and Running Makerspaces
• The Impact of Making
• Supporting and Developing Students and Staff
• Building a Community of Makers

The sub themes are;

1. The A to Z of Making

• Showcasing the diverse applications of making, both digital and traditional from bioengineering to sewing

2. Starting and Running Makerspaces

• Access and supervision models
• Student leadership and ownership
• Supporting and developing students
• Enterprise & extra curricular activities / professional skills
• Funding and industry engagement
• Technology for enabling student autonomy
• Training and Health & Safety

3. The Impact of Making 

• Making for mental health and wellbeing
• STEM and community outreach, widening participation
• Influencing University culture
• Sustainability
• Knowledge exchange and industry collaboration

4. Supporting and Developing Students and Staff

• Employability and enterprise skills
• Developing staff from supervisors to mentors 
• Working with a curriculum/academics as partners
• Entrepreneurship and supporting start-ups

5. Building a Community of Makers

• Creating a welcoming and inclusive space
• Sharing good practice
• Regional engagement and collaboration
• Working across disciplines