Higher Education Makerspace Initiative (HEMI)

The International Symposium on Academic Makerspaces (ISAM) 2026 will be held October 11-13, 2026, at Rice University in Houston, Texas. This year's conference is proudly hosted by the Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen (OEDK) and the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, marking the first time ISAM will take place in Houston. Sessions and events will be held across multiple venues on and near the Rice campus. ISAM is the premier global gathering for the academic makerspace community. Over three days, more than 300 faculty, staff, students, researchers, and industry partners convene to share knowledge, showcase best practices, and explore new ideas that deepen the student learning experience and support long-term alumni success. Attendees span a broad range of roles---including university leadership, makerspace managers, educational researchers, student advocates, policymakers, and industry innovators---reflecting the interdisciplinary reach and impact of academic makerspaces. Located in the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant and diverse cities, Rice University offers an inspiring backdrop for this year's symposium. The campus sits amid Houston's renowned Museum District, steps away from Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo, and the Texas Medical Center---the largest medical center in the world. This dynamic setting enriches opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and hands-on exploration throughout the conference. ISAM 2026 invites the global makerspace community to join us in Houston for three days of learning, sharing, and building the future of design education and experiential learning together. Academic makerspaces meaningfully transform student learning across a wide range of disciplines---including engineering, science, mathematics, medicine, design, architecture, entrepreneurship, the arts, and the humanities. These spaces foster hands-on exploration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supportive peer communities that extend well beyond the walls of the makerspace. As the field continues to grow rapidly, it is essential to convene practitioners and leaders to exchange resources, develop shared frameworks, and accelerate the infusion of makerspaces throughout higher education. Founded in 2016, ISAM serves as the central platform for gathering and disseminating knowledge that helps institutions: BUILD and strengthen student maker communities, INSPIRE beginner and advanced users alike, ENSURE a culture of safe, inclusive, responsible making, MAXIMIZE educational, social, and professional impact, DEVELOP effective practices for staffing, training, programming, and operations, SELECT appropriate technologies, tools, and equipment to meet institutional goals. ISAM 2026 will continue this mission by offering: Short courses focused on foundational and emerging makerspace practices, Invited talks from leaders shaping the future of design education and innovation, Technical papers and poster sessions sharing cutting-edge research and implementations, Community discussions addressing challenges, trends, and promising new directions, Networking and community-building events designed to strengthen global connections, Industry exhibits showcasing current and future technologies that support makerspaces. ISAM is a collaborative effort of the Higher Education Makerspace Initiative (HEMI).