Rachael Turner, Director, Manchester Digital Laboratory 

Rachael is a co-founder and director of Manchester Digital Laboratory (MadLab), Manchester’s home for ‘creatives, technologists, home biologists, hackers and idle dreamers.’ Established in 2009, MadLab is a place for people to ‘make and do interesting stuff.’  MadLab is housed in a 3000 square-foot former industrial revolution-era row of weaver’s cottage in the centre of the Northern Quarter, Manchester’s independent business and retail hub. It is home to some 70 self-organised groups from Raspberry Pi to Manchester Girl Geeks, jewelry-making to graphic novels.  In addition, MadLab runs a professional development training strand, The Omniversity (with tutors such as WordPress co-founder Mike Little), has advised the FBI on DIY Biology and runs a popular year-round programme for Under 18s.