The students from schools in Luton, Hatfield, Northampton, Potters Bar and Aylesbury donned white lab coats and got to grips with the University’s state-of-the-art science labs at the Luton campus.

During the day the students took part in practical activities, including the ‘Who is the Prime Suspect?’ challenge, where they had to use their analytical chemistry skills to solve a crime through forensics.

Principal Lecturer in Biochemistry Dr Bushra Ahmed said: “We have been running this event for the last 12 years and it is always a success. The participating children are always very enthusiastic, excited and work diligently in the lab. It is an excellent opportunity for young children to do their own work independently. ”

The following schools were awarded prizes for their contributions to the activities:

University Challenge:

1. Bedfordshire Home Education
2. Lochinver House School
3. Queenswood School (team 1)

Salters’ Challenge:

1. Northampton High School
2. The Grange School (team 1)
3. Challney Girls School  

The Salters’ Festivals of Chemistry are an initiative of The Salters’ Institute, in partnership with The Royal Society of Chemistry, to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences amongst the young, and to encourage careers in the teaching of chemistry and in the UK chemical and allied industries.

The Festival at the University is one of 49 Festivals taking place at universities and colleges throughout the UK this summer.

The University recently announced plans to build a new £40m building devoted to teaching and research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at its Luton Campus. This building is due to be completed in 2019. Find out more about it here: www.beds.ac.uk/stem-building