Alumni Highlights
Professor David Newman

Professor David Newman is acknowledged as a global leader in aviation medicine.

He has taught thousands of civilian and military doctors, pilots, and accident investigators around the world and his research has considerably advanced our understanding of the effects of the aerospace environment on humans.

David’s research covers the full spectrum of aerospace physiology, clinical aerospace medicine, aerospace biomechanics, and flight safety. He is a recognised world authority on the effects of G forces on pilots, having published extensively on G-related research, including his two textbooks "Flying Fast Jets" and "High G Flight". The latter text is the first of its kind in the world to consolidate all that is known about the physiological effects of and countermeasures for human exposure to G forces. In recognition of his expertise, he was appointed as an Expert Review Panel member for the UK Civil Aviation Authority enquiry into the risk to civil aviation safety from G-induced cognitive impairment in pilots in 2020.

“I’ve been focusing on understanding the problems that pilots face in high-performance aircraft; such as exposure to high G-forces, and what effect that might have on them in the short and the long term,” said David.

His specialist expertise in accident investigations is highly sought after internationally.

He has acted as an expert consultant for 26 multi-modal transport safety investigations for a range of international investigative agencies, including several high-profile commercial airline accidents. His contributions to accident investigation have resulted in significant changes to the aviation industry, such as the introduction of a random drug and alcohol screening program in the Australian civil aviation industry.

David is the first aerospace medicine physician ever to receive an Honorary Fellowship of the UK Royal Aeronautical Society (2020), which is conferred on those whose careers, leadership, inspiration, and impact mark them out as among the most eminent, widely recognized, and influential aerospace professionals of their generation.

He is also the recipient of the 2021 Louis H Bauer Founders Award from the US Aerospace Medical Association - the highest accolade for aviation medicine achievement in the world, given for the most significant contribution to aerospace medicine. David is the first Australian to be so honoured.

“I hope in my career, I’ve made a positive and lasting contribution to aviation safety. Particularly in my efforts in protecting the health and welfare of pilots," said David.

Professor David Newman
Visiting Professor of Aerospace Medicine, King's College of London

Doctor of Philosophy (Human Physiology) 2001