His research is focused on legislative organisation, with a particular emphasis on how electoral incentives shape representatives' preferences, the internal structures of parliaments, executive oversight, and the production of public policy.
Professor Martin's roles at the university include serving as an ex-officio member of University Senate and an elected member of University Council.
Shane has served on Dublin City University’s Governing Authority and most recently as a senate-elected member of Essex’s Council – to which he was recently re-elected for a second term.