Aussie STEM Stars: Creswell Eastman

Age range 9+

Aussie STEM Stars: Creswell Eastman introduces young readers to Creswell John Eastman AO, an eminent figure in the field of medicine. He is the Clinical Professor of Medicine at Sydney University Medical School, Principal of the Sydney Thyroid Clinic, and Consultant Emeritus to the Westmead Hospital.

As an endocrinologist, Eastman has made significant contributions by directing and conducting research and public health projects aimed at eliminating iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and several Pacific Islands, including Hong Kong, China, Tibet, and Australia. For his exceptional work in remote areas of China, he earned the nickname 'the man who saved a million brains'.

In 2013, Eastman expressed concern that IDD might be impacting Australian children's academic performance, a view he reiterated in 2016. Initially focusing on indigenous children, he has since broadened his concern to include all children in Australia.

Creswell Eastman was awarded Membership of the Order of Australia in 1994 for his substantial contributions to medicine, particularly in endocrinology. In 2002, he was also honoured with the Premier's Gold Service Award for his role in developing the NSW Forensic DNA service laboratory.