But she emphasised that graduates could ultimately overcome any bullying they would face themselves. Vicky CameronWhen they went out into the "wide world and your new workplace", no matter how much of the world seemed "unethical, or devious or bullying", graduates could "create an environment around you that is ethical, principled and honest", she said. Prof Cameron also urged graduates to "defend the scientific process" and to "call out the bad science that is being peddled to the unsuspecting public who don’t have the advantage of your level of education". She urged graduates to "be proud of being a nerd", and urged them to counter "really dangerous bad science", like the anti-vaccination lobby or "alternative medicine zealots" that turned patients off medicine that had beneficial effects established through clinical trials. In a later address, University of Otago graduate, chartered accountant and Pharmac chairman Stuart McLauchlan urged graduates attending a 4pm ceremony, also at the town hall, to "embrace the changes which will confront you".

Source: Otago Daily Times December 10, 2017 15:56 UTC