Paul is a Reader in Society and Technology Studies and Deputy Director of the Institute for Science and Society (ISS, formerly IGBiS) at the University of Nottingham. He originally trained as a molecular biologist and subsequently worked as a health policy analyst before taking a PhD in science and technology studies at the University of Sussex. His research interests cover innovation in the biotechnology industry, the social and ethical issues raised by genetics and the regulation of new medical technologies. Recent major grants include studies of the impact of genomics on innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, the clinical and commercial development of pharmacogenetics, and expectations of haematopoietic stem cell technology. Dr Martin is currently establishing a new programme of work on neuroscience and society.
ISS is internationally recognised as a unique centre for the empirical study of issues arising from modern biology and biotechnology. ISS staff are working regularly with the European Commission as ethical evaluators for bioscience. The Institute's future plans include the launch of new graduate courses, and an expansion into the social studies of neuroscience.