The Queen's School in conjunction with the North West Gifted and Talented Regional Partnership (NWGT) hosted a visit from two scientists who are at the forefront of research into space exploration. 

Nearly 500 students from 23 schools across the North West and beyond came to The Queen's School to hear Professor Alexander Martynov from the Russian Federation and Ian Jones, the CEO of Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall.

Professor Martynov worked in Mission Control as a ballistics expert from 1968 until 1992 and now travels the world educating young people about space exploration. He put a powerful argument forward for continued manned exploration in space.

Ian Jones is responsible for one of largest radio telescopes in the country and is therefore at the cutting edge of university research into deep space.  He balanced Professor Martynov's argument by identifying the benefits of research from Earth.  Both agreed that pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe was a vital and important priority.

Commenting on the experience Queen's School student Jenny (17) said: "I enjoyed the presentation very much.  I am very interested in Physics and space research is an area that I want to explore further." Katie (12) was even clearer about her experience of the day: "I want to be an astronaut!"

Sarah Clark, headmistress of Queen's commented: "Capturing and developing childrens' fascination with science, and physics in particular, is important for development nationally.  Here at The Queen's School in Chester we were so pleased to be able to host this conference and I hope that the students who attended will continue to study science in the future to the same levels of expertise as our speakers today."

Aileen Hoare, Chair of North West Gifted and Talented and the organiser of the very special event added; "We are delighted that so many young people from across the region have had the opportunity to hear first hand from two such world renowned experts in the field of space exploration. It is vital that we inspire our most able young people to consider careers at the forefront of science and technology, an aim which this conference has undoubtedly achieved."

For further information please visit www.queens.cheshire.sch.uk