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CoLab

McMaster has a free co-working space designed for research teams.

If you’re looking for a space to work, to meet as a team, or engage with partners, you may wish to join The CoLab.  At Spark, we get excited by the energy that develops when people working on diverse projects interact, and so have built a coworking space where you can both focus and engage with other faculty, research staff, RAs and grad students across disciplines.

Who can use it?

Graduate students, research staff or research assistants (undergrad, grad, post-doc) and faculty from across McMaster are eligible to join the CoLab.

Cost?

It’s free for use as a work space. The CoLab and several of Spark’s other facilities can also be rented out. Please email us to learn more about rental options.

What’s in The CoLab?

In addition to an open space with 15 tables that seat 4, we have two offices that can be reserved for private meetings through our Booking System, two small rooms that are great for making phone calls, and a meeting room that can seat 12. All of these spaces are available first come, first served via our Booking System.

Are there any other features of The CoLab?

Yes, we have research equipment that you can borrow. Equipment includes:

  • one (1) laptop with NVivo, Stata and R installed;
  • two (2) large TV screens;
  • five (5) screens, keyboards and mice for more ergonomic work;
  • two (2) OWL hybrid meeting systems;
  • and two (2) audio recorders.

All equipment can be reserved for use in the CoLab by CoLab members—the only exception are audio recorders, which can be checked out and used off premises.

For further comfort, we also have available:

  • Coffee & tea
  • Snacks for purchase
  • Water cooler
  • Social sciences books
  • Activities and games to help relax and unwind
  • Lockers

When can it be used?

Those who join the CoLab can access it any time the building is open, which is 6:15 am to 11:15 pm, Monday-Friday and 6:30 am to 5:30 pm on Saturdays. L.R. Wilson is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Where is it?

The CoLab is on the 5th floor of LR Wilson Hall in 5803.  Here’s a map of campus to guide you.  Follow directions on the 5th floor to Spark: a centre for social research innovation.

How do I join?

It’s simple. To become a member of the CoLab, stop by L.R. Wilson suite 5803 (5th Floor) between 9:30AM – 4:30PM any weekday. Ring the bell and we’ll get you signed up!

I’m a CoLab member – how do I reserve rooms and equipment?

“The Office of the Registrar’s room bookings advises that self-service booking portal will be unavailable until December 20, 2024.

Please reach out to talk.to.spark@mcmaster.ca for inquiries to reserve Rooms/equipment”.