Ben R. Martin

Papers

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About

Ben R. Martin is a pioneering figure in the study of scientific foresight, research evaluation, and science policy. His work has fundamentally shaped how governments and institutions anticipate emerging research directions and assess scientific impact. Martin is best known for developing and refining methods for research foresight, particularly through his influential "Science Foresight Project," which established a systematic, cost-effective approach to identifying short- and long-term developments in the physical and engineering sciences. His contributions have provided a rigorous foundation for strategic priority-setting in science funding and policy. With over 5,000 citations to his name, Martin’s scholarship has had a lasting influence on the field of scientometrics. He is also widely recognized for his work on the "Matthew Effect" in science and for advancing the concept of "converging technologies." A former director of the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex, Martin has been a key voice in debates on research excellence, peer review, and the societal impacts of science. His work remains essential reading for students and researchers seeking to understand how science evolves and how we can better navigate its future.