Youngest Nuclear Physicist
Jamie Edwards was allowed to make “a star in a jar” after promising his headteacher he would not “blow up the school”.
He was inspired to build the reactor from scratch after reading about the achievement of the previous youngest “fusioneer” American Taylor Wilson, who was 14 when he set the record.
Jamie Edwards Youngest Nuclear Physicist
Under the watchful eye of a team of experts in the school’s laboratory, Jamie was thrilled when a Geiger counter – that measures radiation – this week confirmed that he had successfully smashed together two atoms to produce helium.
He said: “It is quite an achievement. It’s magnificent really. I can’t quite believe it – even though all my friends think I am mad.” Jamie pleaded with headteacher Jim Hourigan for permission to carry out the experiment at the Priory Academy in Penwortham, near Preston, Lancs.
He explained: “One day, I was looking on the internet for radiation or other aspects of nuclear energy and I came across Taylor Wilson and his reactor. I looked at it, thought ‘that looks cool’ and decided to have a go.
“Basically I made a star in a jar. It’s amazing really, quite a feat.”
Jamie, with help from friend George Barker, set about trying to create the nuclear fusion reactor by contacting physicists but was left disappointed.
He added: “I went to various nuclear laboratories and universities and they didn’t seem to take me seriously.”
So he went to his headteacher and Jamie, who turns 14 on Sunday, said: “I had to give a presentation and talk to him about safety, the benefits and what could go right or wrong. I needed £2,000 and he said he would fund it and also put £1,000 into a contingency fund so that myself and others could continue my work. I would like to make it energy efficient.”
Relieved Mr Hourigan added: “I was a bit stunned and I have to say a little nervous when Jamie suggested this but he reassured me he wouldn’t blow the school up.”
Jamie has set up an online diary detailing his exploits at http://jamiesfusionproject.blogspot.co.uk/