NEWSLETTER
March 2026
/ ABOUT US
The Maker Space is a cutting-edge facility, that provides access to digital fabrication and additive manufacturing tools. It houses a workshop with industrialgrade machinery akin to those on factory floors, facilitating testing and prototyping concepts. Supported by Morson Group, we champion STEM skills to help cultivate practical digital fabrication skills, fostering innovation and production skills both in curriculum and for research projects.
/ GOOD NEWS STORY...
Building Confidence, Skills and Futures: Go Beyond Coaching 2026
The Go Beyond Coaching Programme 2026 will support apprenticeship students at the University of Salford to develop valuable coaching and employability skills. Delivered through the Go Beyond programme in the Maker Space, the session will introduce students to the GROW coaching model, helping them build confidence in communication, goal setting and problem solving.
The session will include opportunities for students to practise coaching conversations in a supportive environment. Female-friendly but open to all, the initiative continues Go Beyond’s mission to strengthen industry readiness and empower the next generation of STEM professionals.
/ Powering Progress in Salford! A Celebration of 10-years of partnership with Morson Group
A decade-long partnership between the University of Salford and Morson Group has been celebrated, with a strong focus on the impact of the Morson Maker Space in developing practical STEM skills.
Marked at the Powering Progress in Salford event, the collaboration has created clear pathways into science, technology, engineering and maths, supporting social mobility and local talent. At the heart of this partnership is the Morson Maker Space.
Over the past decade, the Maker Space has evolved into a vibrant hub for creativity and problem-solving, helping thousands of students build confidence and develop skills aligned with industry needs.
The event also showcased the facility in action, Maker Space Student Instructors showcased the space’s capabilities and the Salford Racing Team attended highlighting the positive impact our partnership and Morson's ongoing support has on student experience. The Maker Space complements wider initiatives backed by the Morson STEM Foundation, including the Gerry Mason Scholarship programme and mentoring opportunities, creating a strong blend of practical experience and career development. Bringing together students, educators and industry leaders, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration in shaping future-ready skills.
As Ged Mason noted, it is vital to “investintomorrow’stalenttoday,” reinforcing a shared commitment to expanding opportunity and innovation in the decade ahead.
NEWSLETTER
March 2026
Upcoming Maker Space workshops offer hands-on opportunities to explore digital fabrication and creative making. Sessions over the coming months include practical activities such as Arduino electronics, laser cutting, and CAD design, alongside creative builds like bird boxes, camera obscuras, and custom jigsaws. These workshops are designed for beginners and those looking to develop technical skills.
Viewthefull schedule and book your spot at makeinsalford.eventbrite.com.
/ Celebrating International Women's Day Go Beyond Women in STEM Celebration
The Go Beyond Women in STEM Celebration 2026, held on Wednesday 25 March , was a fantastic success and very well attended. Bringing together students, staff, alumni and industry partners, the event offered an inspiring afternoon in celebration of International Women’s Day kindly supported by the North-West Women in STEM and Morson Group.
Part of the Maker Space’s Go Beyond programme, the celebration aimed to support female-identifying STEM students through connection, inspiration and career-focused conversations. The event was hosted by Claire-Marie Boggiano, Director and Leadership Coach Lurig Ldt with a welcome note by Professor Annalu Waller. This was followed by a inspirational keynote from Dr Marieke Navin (shown in the photo) and who is the Head of Science Programming at the Cheltenham Festivals, shared valuable insights from her career in science communication and public engagement.
A standout moment of the afternoon were the panel discussions, which highlighted the importance of resilience, building supportive networks, and embracing non-linear career paths reminding students that success doesn’t have to follow a straight line. Attendees had the opportunity to meet peers from across disciplines, connect with industry partners such as from Morson Group, Made Smarter, Accenture, AstraZeneca and more as well as university services, and take part in informal networking. Professional headshots and refreshments added to the welcoming and engaging atmosphere.
Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing how much they valued hearing from relatable role models and expanding their networks. This impactful event was made possible through the collaboration of staff, students, alumni and partners. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day such a success.
