Connor meets Queen at science launch

The pupil from St Richard's Catholic College attended the event as his prize for winning a competition in National Geographic Kids Magazine to solve a scientific problem.

Following its 22 million two-year upgrade, including a 4.9million contribution from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the RI's Albemarle Street HQ is now ready to welcome visitors through its doors once again.

Four hundred guests from around the world joined in the glittering celebration including Sir David Attenborough who put his animal language know-how to the test in front of a live audience, and renowned chef Heston Blumenthal amazed spectators by making ice cream with liquid nitrogen during an impressive demonstration of culinary chemistry.

Connor proved a highlight himself as he performed an experiment in front of The Queen, turning clear liquid into the colours of the Union Jack using a seemingly mysterious substance.

Connor's mother is a teacher at St Richard's who helps with a Tuesday lunchtime session for Year 7 students which Connor attends - the Young Investigators' club which is run by teacher Ben Corbishley.

His competition entry was a hover car that used the power of magnets to propel it along the road without emitting any harmful gases or fumes. He was one of four winners chosen to take part in the RI launch event.

His entry impressed the judges with its detailed design and creative thinking.

Olympia Brown, Senior Young People's Programme Coordinator, RI said: "The RI has a long tradition of coming up with creative solutions to problems, and Connor's entry did just that. Perhaps he'll be the Faraday of his generation? The RI is the home of science, and it's great that our generation of young scientists will perform an experiment for The Queen."

Famed for its Christmas Lectures by the science "A-list", including chemist and physicist Michael Faraday and biologist Richard Dawkins, the RI is a unique and independent centre that celebrates all aspects of science. The overhaul includes new heritage exhibitions, public events, caf, bar and restaurant to leave visitors inspired and wanting to come back for more.