Lancaster’s School of Computing and Communications hosted the inaugural pro² network+ Device Prototyping and Production Summer School on 10^th-12^th July. The pro² network+ is a UKRI-funded research network created with the mission of making it easier to produce digital devices in low volumes. A joint venture between Lancaster University, the Universities of Bath, Bristol and Nottingham, and a number of industry partners, the project has been running for approximately a year and a half. Lancaster Professors Joe Finney and Steve Hodges lead on the network's isotyping theme which focuses on the refining and scaling of prototypes.

The idea for the summer school came about in February of this year - spearheaded by Professors Finney and Hodges – and was conceptualised as a dedicated space to teach anyone with an interest in producing small-scale electronic prototypes, regardless of skill or expertise. The event was attended by over 30 delegates from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels, from those new to electronic design to individuals with professional experience in the industry. The three days consisted of a mixture of practical and presented sessions, ranging from insights into the prototype production process to a crash-course on programming a Jacdac system, as well as a variety of social activities – including a performance from the in-house University band, The Usuals. The aim of the school was to connect delegates to global experts in the electronic device production field, educate them on the processes involved in upscaling and the development of prototypes (also known as isotyping) for small-scale production, and allow attendees to network and collaborate with one another.

The event was well-received by attendees, with delegate Dr Tom McGrath remarking that: “the pro² Summer School was great to be a part of, especially since it was able to provide value to attendees from so many different backgrounds.

On one hand, it helped those without experience in hardware design to gain the skills required to realise digital devices that were important to them. This means that smaller-quantity, custom hardware development can be done by those passionate about a certain issue, allowing for a more meaningful and sensitive impact to pro-social devices.

For those with more experience, there was also a range of talks on the later-stage considerations of refining prototypes and isotypes. This was personally beneficial, and allowed for the sharing of experiences I wouldn't find elsewhere.”

A delegate from UCL, PhD student Aude Vuilliomenet added: “Reflecting on these 72 hours, it’s clear that the experience was both enlightening and inspiring. We arrived with prototypes and left with a deeper understanding of the intricate process of bringing a product to life”.

On the success of the event, Professor Steve Hodges said: “We were delighted to welcome so many electronic device creators to Lancaster. From the outset of the three days, the engagement and enthusiasm from the attendees was palpable as, in addition to the practical advice we gave about scaling up device-based research for real-world impact, our delegates really valued joining a like-minded community. We plan to keep the conversations going and to grow the community as part of our pro² network+ mission to simplify electronic device prototyping and production.”

Maura Lydon, Senior Research Administrator for the pro² network+ shared Professor Hodges’ sentiments, commenting: “ In addition to all that was learnt during the talks and practical sessions, it was clear that our delegates had a lot to learn from each other, too. This was thanks to their wide-ranging backgrounds, including everything from industry to academia to maker communities, and the diversity of device prototypes they brought with them. As the pro² network+ has a mission to build community and empower more people to produce digital devices, the event was a huge success for us.”