Dr Easteal is a chemist with particular experience in macromolecular science. His PhD topic was on the diffusion potentials in molten salts, but for the past 20 years his research has been primarily on a broad range of macromolecular science topics. Dr Easteal has been a Visiting Professor at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, United States, and the Catholic University of America, Washington DC, United States, and from 1982 to 1986 he was a Research Fellow in the (then) Research School of Physical Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia. Since 1966, he has been a staff member of the Chemistry Department, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Dr Easteal’s research expertise includes utilization of naturally occurring polymers as source materials for development of new materials, charge- and mass-transport mechanisms in polyelectrolyte gels, microfibril reinforced composites, biodegradable composites based on natural fibers, conducting polymer/thermoplastic blends and composites, high performance emulsion wood adhesives, barrier coatings, and treatment/coating systems for photostabilization of timber. Dr Easteal began working for the Edanz Group in 2008.