An ion channel electrophysiologist by training, Martin has spent over 30 years working in the pharmaceutical industry in organisations including Merck, GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca.
An accomplished scientist with over 30 publications and 2 patents and a broad range of experience ranging from target validation and reagent generation, through assay development and mechanism-of-action studies, Martin brings a breadth of experience to his role as Chief Scientific Officer at Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC).
After gaining his PhD in Cardiac Physiology from the University of London, Martin joined the University of Leeds as a Post-Doctoral Scientist before beginning a 25-year stint in large pharma. Starting his career with Merck and GlaxoSmithKline, Martin then held several leadership roles at AstraZeneca, most recently as Director of Discovery Biology from 2011 – 2018.
Martin is currently a member of the ELRIG General Committee, sits on the Scientific Advisory Board for the University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, and is a member of the Astbury Centre Industry Advisory Board.
Martin joined MDC in 2018 as Head of Molecular Technologies, taking on the role of Chief Scientist in 2022. In his current role as Chief Scientific Officer at MDC, Martin is accountable for the development and delivery of MDC’s science strategy, with oversight of laboratory, informatics and partnership activities to ensure MDC continues to deliver upon our vision of reshaping drug discovery for patient benefit.
