The budding scientists visited the University’s School of Life Sciences at the Luton campus and got hands-on during a number of challenges to open their eyes to the possibilities of careers in chemistry and science.

During the Salters’ Challenge, the children took on the roles of forensic scientists to solve the mystery of a missing trophy. The winners of this task were:

• First: Wycombe Abbey School
• Second: Heath-Mount School
• Third: Roundwood Park School

The University Challenge called for the young scientists to make a warp drive coolant solution to stop the dilithium crystals in the warp drive core of Star Trek’s USS Enterprise overheating.

The winners of this challenge were:

• First: The Grange School
• Second: Lochinver House School
• Third: Ashcroft High School

Organiser Dr Bushra Ahmed, Principal Lecturer in Biochemistry, said: “I have been organising this event for the past 13 years and we are always delighted to welcome the children to our labs and allow them to explore the possibilities of working in chemistry and science. The children really enjoyed being able to do all the work themselves. I hope we have inspired the next generation of scientists. ”

The Salters’ Festivals of Chemistry are an initiative of the Salters’ Institute, whose aim is to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences among young people.