Dr Tanimola Martins

About me:

Dr Tanimola Martins is a Senior Research Fellow in Cancer Diagnostics and Lecturer in Public Health at the University of Exeter Medical School. He holds an interdisciplinary background in Clinical Rehabilitation and Public Health, alongside a PhD focused on ethnic inequalities in the diagnosis of symptomatic cancer. Over the past decade, Dr Martins has developed a distinctive and nationally recognised research profile, with a focus on investigating ethnic and racial disparities in cancer diagnosis and outcomes. His research employs the analysis of large-scale, linked healthcare datasets and multi-method approaches to uncover mechanisms driving inequalities in access, investigation, and diagnosis across primary care and cancer pathways.

Dr Martins has successfully led or co-led several major research programmes funded by prestigious bodies including the Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer Research UK, and the NIHR. His portfolio spans population-based cohort studies, diagnostic performance evaluations, and qualitative investigations, all with a strong focus on public and patient involvement and impact. His ultimate research goal is to inform targeted interventions and health policy reforms aimed at reducing health inequalities—insights which are also translatable to other marginalised populations and chronic conditions beyond cancer. He has authored a substantial number of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and has provided expert input to national policy forums, advisory groups, and international conferences. In addition to his research leadership, Dr Martins makes a significant and sustained contribution to education. He co-leads and contributes to the delivery of several postgraduate modules in public health and supervises BSc and MSc students. He also plays a key academic and pastoral mentorship role, supporting student development and acting as an advocate for equity and inclusion in academia. His commitment to public engagement is evident in his media presence, community-based activities, and invited talks, which have helped shape public and professional discourse on ethnic/racial equity in healthcare. Dr Martins’ trajectory reflects academic excellence, research independence, leadership and a sustained commitment to impactful scholarship, teaching, and public engagement.

Qualifications:

PhD in Primary care diagnosis of cancer and ethnic inequality, 2014 - Peninsular College of Medicine and Dentistry University of Exeter

Master of Public Health - Nottingham University

Medical Rehabilitation - Obafemi Awolowo University