UK Maker Faire Biomedical Maker Zone. (360G-Wellcome-100465_Z_12_Z)

Generations of amateurs have participated in electronics, rocketry, astronomy, engineering and other disciplines. Extraordinary creations have emerged from their garages and garden sheds enriching both their lives and the subjects they work in. In the 21st century a new collective noun, Makers, has become the term to describe these amateur technologists. Until recently, working with biomedical science and technology has not been an amateur pursuit. Now, as knowledge spreads and digital techno logies enhance what is possible, a new breed of amateurs working in this area is beginning to appear, demystifying research that used to be restricted to labs. (See http://blog.ted.com/2012/06/26/do-it-yourself-biotech-ellen-jorgensen-at-tedglobal-2012/ ) Groups of Makers share their creations with the public at Maker Faires (http://makerfaire.com/). These huge, playful international gatherings allow sharing between Makers and attract vast numbers of the public (see http://vimeo.com/2325 8452). We want to pilot a biomedical science and technology zone at the 2013 Faire with a view to having larger biomedical zones for future UK Maker Faires. It is intended to feature: - Five groups of international makers who use biomedical science and technology having stands at the Faire - An interactive art installation by a Maker artist working with biomedical science and technology at the Faire - One mass participation community poject involving makers using biomedical sci ence and technology with its output at the 2013 Maker Faire