Institute for Manufacturing Masterclasses

What is an IfM Masterclass?

The Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) Theatre will share insights from the University of Cambridge on key challenges and opportunities in manufacturing and engineering. Across two days, sessions will explore sustainability, innovation, industrial safety, digital skills, and diversity & inclusion.

As the Knowledge Partner for Smart Manufacturing Week, IfM is hosting a series of sessions providing practical approaches to tackling industry challenges—whether it’s shaping strategy, improving sustainability, or developing future skills.

Topics include the journey to net zero, the future of industrial safety, the role of digital skills in SMEs, and how to foster inclusive leadership in manufacturing.

Ifm masterclasses

Free to attend

IfM Theatre, Hall 5 - E150

Places at IfM Masterclasses are limited and pre-booking is advised. To apply for an IfM Masterclass you must be registered for Smart Manufacturing Week.

Take a look at the 2025 IfM agenda below.

IfM Agenda at Smart Manufacturing Week 2025

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A roadmap towards Net Zero (By application only)

Institute for Manufacturing Masterclasses

45 mins

This session will show you how to leverage collective knowledge within your organisation to define your Net Zero strategy and achieve your sustainability targets. You'll explore how the strategic roadmapping process can help to:

- Map trends, drivers and market requirements influencing Net Zero strategy

- Identify and prioritise key opportunities to meet your Net Zero goals and generate additional value to your organisation

- Establish clear milestones to delivery those priority opportunities and capabilities needed

- Align stakeholders and resources across your organisation

- Foster collaboration, co-creative decision-making and innovation to accelerate your sustainability journey.

Applications will open shortly

Diana Khripko, Senior Solution Development Specialist - IfM Engage, University of Cambridge

Sustain 8: Building foundations for sustainable manufacturing (By application only)

Institute for Manufacturing Masterclasses

45 mins

Combatting global climate change requires urgency, scale, high ambition and necessitates overcoming the sometimes complex language and calculations required for sustainability improvement.

As a result, there is immense potential for enhancing sustainability, though this is sometimes challenging to align with daily management processes and leadership objectives. The Sustain 8 organisational engagement programme ensures this alignment. It is designed to motivate factory floor personnel, thereby offering valuable opportunities for low and no-capital cost improvements. Developed by the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) - a division of the University of Cambridge's Department of Engineering, Sustain 8 follows eight simple steps - introduced in this session.

Applications will open shortly

Duncan Hurlstone, Industrial Associate - IfM Engage, University of Cambridge

Introducing the Manifesto for Global Industrial Safety: A Call to Action (By application only)

Institute for Manufacturing Masterclasses

45 mins

This session will explore the Global Initiative for Industrial Safety (GIFIS) Manifesto, a bold framework for enhancing industrial safety worldwide. With 2.3 million work-related deaths annually (ILO), the manifesto calls for urgent, coordinated action from industries, governments, and civil society to tackle emerging risks. It promotes resilient safety cultures, standardised global protocols, and innovative, data-driven approaches to crisis management and risk prevention.

Key discussion points include:
• How industries can adopt the manifesto’s principles to improve safety and resilience
• The most pressing safety risks in manufacturing, energy, and construction
• The role of technology in shaping the future of industrial safety
• How harmonising global safety standards can benefit industries across regions

Applications will open shortly

Carlos Lopez-Gomez, Head of Policy Links - IfM Engage, University of Cambridge

Your Life is Manufactured: How manufacturing is making the UK more resilient, sustainable, and equitable (By application only)

Institute for Manufacturing Masterclasses

45 mins

Join Professor Tim Minshall as he covers insights from his new book, Your Life Is Manufactured. Described as 'Fascinating' by The Times and 'Well-observed and enjoyably written' by the Financial Times, this book provides an exploration of how manufacturing has shaped our world and can hold the key to a sustainable and equitable future.

Sign up for this session to hear from a renowned expert on the future of manufacturing and gain a deeper understanding of how manufacturing systems create a more sustainable and resilient world, especially given the huge geopolitical and environmental challenges we are now facing. Whether you're an industry professional seeking inspiration or curious about the mechanics behind the products we use daily, this session will be informative and engaging.

Applications will open shortly

Professor Tim Minshall, Dr John C Taylor Professor of Innovation & Head of the Institute for Manufacturing

Women in Manufacturing - Inspiring Inclusive Leadership (By application only)

Institute for Manufacturing Masterclasses

60 mins

Join this session from the Women in Manufacturing UK initiative to explore the vital role of inclusive leadership in attracting and retaining diverse talent, while enhancing business performance in the manufacturing sector. Hosted by a panel of academics, practitioners, and professionals, this session will focus on practical steps organisations can take to foster an inclusive workplace where women and men are valued and empowered.

Panellists will share insights on the true meaning of inclusive leadership, how it can drive diversity and business productivity, and strategies for implementing meaningful change to build more inclusive workplaces. Be part of the conversation and discover how the Women in Manufacturing initiative is shaping a more equitable and innovative future for the industry. The session will conclude with a networking drinks reception, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect with speakers and fellow attendees who are passionate about driving positive change.

Applications will open shortly

Engaging with the IfM, University of Cambridge: Opportunities for Organisations and Individuals (By application only)

Institute for Manufacturing Masterclasses

45 mins

Explore the many ways organisations see impact from collaborating with the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) at the University of Cambridge. From enabling students to tackle in-company projects that drive meaningful results to addressing industrial challenges through memberships, the IfM offers multiple ways to engage with and contribute to world-class research.

Organisations of all sizes can find opportunities to engage with experts, access new insights, and explore solutions to industry challenges. This session will showcase key pathways for engagement, including executive education, consultancy services, and strategic partnerships. At the end of the session, you'll have the opportunity to connect with IfM representatives to discuss your specific interests and needs.

Applications will open shortly

SMEs, Apprentices & FE Colleges: Digital Skills for Real World Impact (By application only)

Institute for Manufacturing Masterclasses

180 mins

Are you an SME struggling to make the most of digital solutions? An apprentice eager to apply digital skills in the workplace? Or an FE college looking to enhance curriculum delivery?

Join this session to discover how Digital Shoestring is helping SMEs and Further Education providers integrate practical, low-cost digital solutions into work placements and training. Explore a range of solutions, including job location tracking, scrap monitoring, and power monitoring - and hear real-world success stories, like how one apprentice saved £3.5k by implementing a simple digital fix.

Whether you're looking to solve business challenges, gain hands-on experience, or support digital learning, this session will showcase the value of getting involved in Digital Shoestring - an accessible, low-cost approach to tackling real business needs.

Applications will open shortly

Why Attend?

Through discussions with your peers, and guided by an IfM Industrial Practitioner, you will have the opportunity to explore and work through challenges in a supportive and open environment.

Our Industrial Practitioners have extensive expertise in supporting organisations across many sectors, and so are ideally placed to answer any questions you have and unpick the problems you are facing.

Disclaimer:

Each IfM Masterclass is organised by IfM Engage at the IfM, University of Cambridge, and is free to attend as part of the Smart Factory Expo at Smart Manufacturing Week. The IfM’s mission is to manufacture a better world through the impact of our research, education and practice activities in the manufacturing community. To support this objective, we are only accepting bookings from manufacturing and technology organisations for the Masterclasses - we will not be accepting bookings from consultants.

Meet author Tim Minshall and get a signed copy of his book!

Your Life Is Manufactured, a new book by Tim Minshall, Head of the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), is now available. In a fascinating exploration of the manufacturing world, Tim illuminates the complex and often unseen journeys of the products that shape our daily lives.

Described as 'Fascinating' by The Times and 'Well-observed and enjoyably written' by the Financial Times, this book provides an exploration of how manufacturing has shaped our world and can hold the key to a sustainable and equitable future.

Meet Tim onsite at Smart Manufacturing Week and get your signed copy!

Come along to the IfM Theatre, Hall 5 - E150
14:00 Weds 4th June

Spotlight Session: Women in Manufacturing - Inspiring Inclusive Leadership

Discover how inclusive leadership can transform the manufacturing sector by attracting and retaining diverse talent while driving business success. This insightful session, hosted by the Women in Manufacturing UK initiative, brings together a panel of industry experts, academics, and practitioners to explore practical strategies for fostering a truly inclusive workplace.