Martin Vessey has made major contributions to knowledge of the effects of different methods of contraception, to the epidemiology of many diseases affecting women and to the study of drug safety. He has published over 400 scientific papers within these fields and has been presented with a number of awards and prizes.

As Head of the Department of Public Health and Primary Care at Oxford University, Martin undertook many teaching, research and service responsibilities. Nonetheless, he found time to work extensively and for many years on the Human Reproduction Programme of the World Health Organization, for the Committee on Safety of Medicines (now the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) and for the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution. He also chaired the UK National Advisory Committee on screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer and large bowel cancer.