Hello! My name is Allan Leeson, and I am conducting this research project as partial fulfillment of the Msc. In Science and Health Communication programme in Dublin City University. The Principal Investigator is Dr. Padraig Murphy, Chair of the MSc in Science and Health Communication programme in the School of Communications.The aim of this study is to analyse the relationships between Makerspace and Hackerspace community members and the ethos behind them of: “Anyone can be a Maker”, with an interest in minority representation and participation in these communities. I intend to do this by surveying people who are or have been members of Hackerspaces or similar communities such as Fab-Labs, Makerspaces, Men’s Sheds, etc. The Maker ethos is a new and growing field of study as regards the communication of science and technology concepts.Ideally, this project will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the community of Hackerspaces and Makerspaces, important community organisations which aid in the dissemination of scientific and engineering knowledge into their own local communities, and allow for a better understanding of how non-traditional “makers” can integrate their own experiences and knowledge into their communities.Should you agree to participate, the following survey will take about fifteen minutes to complete. Should you consent, there is a chance you may be contacted for a short (approx. 30 mins) non-mandatory follow-up interview. These interviews will be conducted online and may be recorded. There are no risks to those taking part in the project, and no benefit to the participant.You may withdraw from the research study at any time.Any data provided will be stored on secure drives and deleted within 2 weeks of the project’s conclusion and submission around October 2019. Some data on geographic location and gender may be collected. Please note that in some cases, the security and anonymity of the data cannot be guaranteed- It is possible for the information to be gained by freedom of information law, subpoena or other legal means. Should you have any concerns about this, please do not hesitate to contact DCU Data Protection Officer Mr. Martin Ward ( data.protection@dcu.ie Ph: 7005118 / 7008257).If you have any questions or concerns you may contact myself at: allan.leeson2@mail.dcu.ie and my supervisor at Padraig.murphy@mail.dcu.ie and I will endeavour to answer any questions ASAP.If participants have concerns about this study and wish to contact an independent person, please contact:The Secretary, Dublin City University Research Ethics Committee, c/o Research and Innovation Support, Dublin City University, Dublin 9. Tel 01-7008000, e-mail rec@dcu.ie