Creating history on the national stage, Armidale student, Hamish McMillan*, 12, was among the first primary school students ever to deliver a presentation at Skepticon, the 40th annual convention of Australian Skeptics Inc.
The MC was none other than colourful science legend, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, who was also a keynote speaker at event held in Sydney last weekend.
The night before, at the state awards ceremony of the Science Teachers Association NSW, Hamish was named as Primary Young Scientist, the top award for primary school students.
Hamish, who is in his final year at Armidale City Public School, was one of 200 students vying for the coveted award and its $350 prize money.
He delivered a polished and articulate 12-minute presentation to the large Skepticon audience.
He outlined his outstanding research project which investigated how people perceive images created by Artificial Intelligence.
Dr Karl praised Hamish’s maturity and humility and advised him: “Science is a way not to be fooled. Critical thinking and science have never been so important and young scientists like you will make our world a better place.”
President of Australian Skeptics Inc, Jessica Singer, said: “For the first time in Skepticon’s 40 year history we have invited school students on to the stage.
“As proud sponsors of the Science Teachers Association, we want to support their efforts to encourage more youngsters to love science and critical thinking.
“Hamish was one of the four specially selected Young Scientist Award winners to be invited to Skepticon.
“His project, for his age, was outstanding, and his teacher, Maria Raftery, at Armidale City Public School is to be congratulated.
“For many years, we have supported the Young Scientist Awards Program because it aligns perfectly with Australian Skeptics’ mission to inspire kids to investigate and to question.”
Also speaking at Skepticon was Amelia Willmer, Convenor of Armidale’s popular Skeptics In The Pub.
The monthly event, which she started in April, has set the national benchmark for success, with audience numbers as high as 88.
Amelia was invited to share her experience and advise fellow skeptivcs how to set up their own Skeptics In The Pub.
Currently, there are 20 groups throughout Australia, each affiliated with Australian Skeptics Inc, which wants to encourage more towns, suburbs and cities to get their own groups going.
* Hamish’s dad Aaron McMillian is a sheep researcher at UNE and his mum, Mary McMillan is a former senior lecturer in Biomedical Science.