Creswell Eastman: The man who saved a million brains

Penny Tangey

About the Aussie STEM Stars Series
Each book is written by an award-winning children’s author and follows the real-life stories of some of Australia’s top scientists and inventors, chosen on the basis of their pioneering work. Themes explored include childhood, school, family, and formative experiences, what inspired them to pursue their chosen path, how they persevered in the face of challenges, and what they have contributed to science in Australia.

About Creswell Eastman: The man who saved a million brains
Professor Creswell John Eastman, world-renowned endocrinologist, discovered extensive Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) in China, Tibet and southeast Asian countries as well as in Australia. Children whose mothers have IDD can be born with profound mental disabilities and lower IQs, as well as deafness, speech and physical impairments.

Creswell made it his life’s work to abolish IDD wherever he could so children would have better life opportunities in every way and be able to reach their potential.

He and his team developed the test for measuring iodine levels, which is now routine for pregnant women to have. And then he led projects throughout the developing world and in Australia, to ensure iodine was included in people’s diets.

His work has quite literally ensured that now millions of children around the world are born with fully functioning healthy bodies and brains.

More to love about the Aussie STEM Stars

• Teacher’s notes available. A perfect series for school libraries or home bookshelves.
• A fresh and unique series that focuses on our Australian STEM heroes. Science is more important than ever as we look to our inventors and innovators to solve the contemporary problems facing humanity and the planet.
• Strong role model and inspiration to young scientists to dream the impossible.
• Narrative non-fiction as a tool for educating children, proving that it can be as fun and interesting as fiction.