Science-led healthcare company GSK challenged school children across the UK to come up with their own solutions to the problem posed by malaria and by doing so, they hope to ignite a real creative spark and enthusiasm for STEM subjects in school.

The future of scientific research and development in the UK looks to be bright, as the children took to up the challenge with gusto, and one idea in particular being recognised for its potential. Excellent in its simplicity, as many solutions often are, and the question from one extraordinary group of school children was if holy basil was used with other natural products commonly found in areas most affected by malaria, it could be used to make a new mosquito repellent, that could have the potential to keep mosquitos at bay for up to eight hours!

In our video, some of our future scientists and engineers showcase their skills at the Science Museum at the ‘Mission Control: Fight Malaria’ event…