Cathie Martin’s contributions to plant biology have combined plant genetics and metabolism to provide new insights into plant developmental and metabolic processes. Cathie has made important contributions to the understanding of cell shaping and to anthocyanin biosynthesis and diversity, using genes that control major developmental and metabolic pathways. She is now investigating the relationship between diet and health, how crops can be fortified to address the global challenge of escalating chronic disease. Cathie Martin is a powerful advocate and practitioner of the application of plant science for human health, and has taken a leading role in promoting training and integrity in the plant sciences. Cathie has a collaborative research programme in China on Chinese Medicinal Plants, particularly those used for complementary therapies in cancer treatment.

Cathie was Editor-in-Chief of The Plant Cell (2008-2014) and is now an Associate Editor for Plant Physiology. She is a member of EMBO, AAAS, a Fellow of ASPB and in 2014 she was awarded an MBE for services to Plant Biotechnology.