Pupils at an Oxford secondary school have taken part in a long-running event delivered by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The annual Top of the Bench competition, now running for more than two decades, aims to spark fascination for the subject among youngsters and aid educators in shaping future scientists.
Connected through the Anthem Schools Trust, Oxford Spires Academy pupils had the chance to take part in the event which serves to foster new partnerships and promote innovation in the field of chemistry.
The young scientists engaged in a variety of chemistry-based tasks at the University of Oxford laboratory.
The day involved a presentation by Fiona Marston OBE PhD, CEO and chair of biochemical company Erebagen Ltd, who discover bioactive products from microbes by activating previously silent gene clusters.
She spoke about the importance of science and the different types of career paths it can lead to.
Louise Cowley, headteacher at Oxford Spires said: "I am delighted that Oxford Spires students got the chance to take part in this long running chemistry competition at the laboratory in the University of Oxford.
"I know they took a huge amount away from the day and it was brilliant for them to hear from an inspiring scientific figure in the form of Dr Marston.
"At Oxford Spires we are always encouraging our students to push their boundaries and think about their future, and this event managed to combine both of these aims in one."
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