MAKE IN SALFORD - <b>MAKER SPACE IMPACT REPORT</b>.pdf

The Maker Space is a pioneering digital fabrication centre featuring state-of-the-art, industry-standard tools, including rapid prototyping equipment and heavy-duty machinery. The facilities consist of 3D printers, CNC routers, milling machines, water jet and laser cutters, an electronics zone with digital and optical microscopes, and a complete CAD suite.This hub enriches the student experience, boosts employability, and enhances the University's reputation while strengthening community connections. The impact report, based on a 2024 study, details the Maker Space's return on investment for students, the University, and the industry partner, Morson Group.The report presents an external evaluation through perspectives from various stakeholders, such as the Morson STEM Foundation, University staff, and student users. It also includes insights from IntoUniversity, a charity aiding disadvantaged youth aged 7–18, and highlights the Go Beyond mentoring programme, which supports female STEM students on campus. The report employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative data collection. It draws from extensive interviews with both internal and external stakeholders to provide a thorough assessment of the Maker Space’s role in skill development, educational enhancement, and inclusivity promotion within STEM fields.Key findings indicate that the Maker Space enhances student confidence, develops career-ready skills, fosters curriculum innovation, and promotes inclusivity through accessibility and outreach initiatives.

创客空间（Maker Space）是一家先锋型数字制造中心，配备行业顶尖的工业级工具，涵盖快速原型设备与重型机械。其设施包含3D打印机、数控雕刻机、铣床、水刀切割机与激光切割机，设有搭载数码与光学显微镜的电子实训区，以及全套计算机辅助设计（CAD）软件套件。
该中心不仅丰富了学生的学习体验、提升了其就业竞争力，还提升了大学的品牌声誉，同时强化了与社区的联结。这份基于2024年研究形成的影响报告，详细阐释了创客空间为学生、校方以及行业合作伙伴莫森集团（Morson Group）所带来的投资回报。
本报告通过多方利益相关者视角开展外部评估，受访对象涵盖莫森STEM基金会（Morson STEM Foundation）、大学教职员工与学生使用者。报告还纳入了慈善机构IntoUniversity的相关洞察——该机构专为7至18岁的弱势青少年提供帮扶——并重点介绍了支持校内女性STEM学生的「Go Beyond」导师计划。
本报告采用混合研究方法，整合定性与定量数据采集流程，通过对校内外利益相关者的深度访谈，全面评估了创客空间在技能培养、教育赋能以及STEM领域包容性提升方面所发挥的作用。核心研究结果显示，创客空间能够提升学生自信心、培育职业适配技能、推动课程创新，并通过普惠性服务与推广活动促进包容性发展。