The head of the Science Museum paid a visit to students in Bromley-by-Bow.

East London Advertiser: Dame Mary Archer speaking to students about her university education and career in science. Picture: East London Science SchoolDame Mary Archer speaking to students about her university education and career in science. Picture: East London Science School (Image: Archant)

Dame Mary Archer, chair of the board of trustees at the Kensington museum, spoke to East London Science School pupils about a career in science.

Dame Mary, who studied physical chemistry at Oxford University and Imperial College London, talked about being a scientist, researcher and university lecturer.

Pupils quizzed her on specialist area, energy and solar power conversion, along with the benefits of nuclear power and renewable energy.

Year 9 pupil Beatrice Banyte said: “I was really interested to listen to Dame Mary and learn how she worked so hard to become a scientist. She’s worked with so many important scientists in really interesting fields, from energy to the development of insulin for people with diabetes.”

Previous lecturers at the school have included helicopter engineer Sophie Robinson, and Lord Robert Winston, a professor, doctor and Labour Party politician.