Martin first began his illustrious career in space science as a postdoctoral researcher, working in both the UK and the USA. He was then appointed as a Plumian Professor at the University of Cambridge, taught at Sussex University and acted as the Director of the Institute of Astronomy. In 1992 he was appointed as a Royal Society Research Professor, a position which he held until 2003 after he was appointed as a Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics.
Throughout his career, Martin has helped to nurture a fundamental understanding of science in future generations. In the 1970s he acted as a Professor of Astronomy at Gresham College and now holds various visiting professorships across some of the country’s most prestigious educational institutions. He is a visiting professor at both the University of Leicester and Imperial College London. Martin has also been selected as an Honorary Fellow of Jesus College, King’s College and Clare Hall and is also a Fellow of Darwin College in Cambridge.
Martin has researched extensively throughout his career, pioneering various aspects of space science. Some of his most prominent work has been pivotal to the study of cosmic microwave background radiation, the clustering and formation of the galaxy and gamma-ray bursts. Martin’s research has continually spearheaded the field of space science, becoming one of the first scientists to explain black holes as optical illusions. His detailed research into the distribution of quasars was revolutionary, ultimately leading to the disproof of the steady-state theory.
In accompaniment to his research, Martin has also authored several books. Covering a broad spectrum of space science, Martin’s books take readers on a journey of astrophysics, cosmology and the threats that challenge humankind. Some of his most known titles include On The Future, Our Final Hour, Our Cosmic Habitat, Before The Beginning and Our Final Century. Particularly interested in science, politics and ethics, Martin is also a member of several boards. He is a board member of the Oxford Martin School, the Gates Cambridge Trust and the Institute for Advanced Study as well as serving as part of the Future of Life Institute Advisory Board.
Along the path of his illustrious career, Martin has claimed countless accolades, prizes and awards. Earning awards as far back as 1989, Martin has claimed over 20 awards with his most recent including the 2020 Fritz Zwicky Prize for Astrophysics and Cosmology and the 2017 Lilienfeld Prize. Several universities, such as Oxford University, Yale University and Sussex University to name a few, have also bestowed Martin with honorary degrees.
Building a revered reputation as an industry leader, Martin has always been highly sought as a public speaker. A seasoned TED talker, Martin has delivered across the world with titles such as Earth in it’s Final Century and Can We Prevent the End of the World?. Martin is particularly passionate in increasing awareness of the threats that pose humankind, encouraging both scientists and the general public to ensure the survival of mankind in a world of accelerated change. Eloquent, passionate and incredibly knowledgeable, Lord Martin Rees is the ideal speaker to engage audiences with influential talks on space science, futurism and the threats that pose the 21st century.
