As part of British Science Week, we welcomed nearly 1,000 school students from across the North West to take part in our week long Science Extravaganza event, showcasing the creative and ground-breaking research being carried out across the University.

In the Science Fair, which held 22 unique stands, students had the opportunity to program robots, build DNA bracelets, and even make graphene. University colleagues from the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health provided hands-on, and occasionally messy, activities to really bring science to life.

We even had a visit from the University President, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, who got to enjoy all of the fun of the fair and meet with the fantastic fair contributors, school students and event organisers.

PhD researchers developed interactive workshops to inspire the students by providing insight and enthusiasm into a variety of topics including DNA extraction, the science of sound, volcano eruption and engineering through catapult constructions!

Each afternoon was filled with engaging lectures detailing different scientific topics and applications, not typically found on school curricula. Highlights of the lectures included smashing chocolate to explain the importance of material science and using The Simpsons to understand nuclear power in chemical engineering.

A huge thank you to all of the school students, teachers and contributors for making this a truly wonderful week for all involved. See you all again next year!