Martin Gibbs

Martin Gibbs (November 11, 1922 – July 24, 2006) was an American biochemist known for his research on photosynthesis and plant carbon metabolism, particularly the use of radiolabeled carbon (¹⁴C) to elucidate pathways of sugar metabolism in plants.

Scientific career After completing his doctorate, Gibbs joined Brookhaven National Laboratory, where he began research using carbon-14 tracers to investigate photosynthetic carbon metabolism. His work contributed to the elucidation of sugar phosphate pathways and helped clarify aspects of the Calvin cycle and related metabolic processes.

In 1957, he joined Cornell University as professor of biochemistry. Later he moved to Brandeis University, where he served as the Abraham S. and Gertrude Berg Professor of Biology and chaired the Department of Biology. He received numerous honors, including the Charles Reid Barnes Award and an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship.

Awards and honors

Elected to the National Academy of Sciences (1974).