Martin A. Apple, 86, of Benicia, California, died Aug. 11, 2025
Martin A. Apple, PhD, 86, was a longtime Benicia resident who passed away last week. Marty met Daina, his wife of 40 years, as Presidents of Phi Beta Kappa Northern California Association, and she recalls being fascinated first by his bright, innovative mind and then by his sly, clever smile. He had the innate ability to talk to anyone at their level, which made him a powerful negotiator in science education and policy. Among his many accomplishments, he served as Chairman of the American Institute of Chemists, President of the International Plant Research Institute, Director of Science Watch, and was a member of the Governing Board of the National Economists Club.
Dr. Apple's vibrant mind was paired with a friendly, inclusive manner. He was recognized by the Commonwealth Club of California as one of the 100 Leaders of Tomorrow, was made a Fellow by the American College of Clinical Pharmacology, and earned the Distinguished Service Award from Phi Beta Kappa. For over 20 years, Dr. Apple worked tirelessly for the Council of Scientific Society Presidents, both as President and Research and Development Director. He helped bring together over 2 million scientists and science educators with a combined vision for emerging scientific issues and national science leadership development. From the Benicia Herald.
“Marty’s research career embraced biochemistry, medicine, pharmacology, and artificial intelligence. He was a polymath who, throughout his last 3 decades, turned his bright and innovative mind toward building science leadership, enhancing science education, and solving nearly insoluble problems. Among his many recent contributions has been his long dedication to building the next generation of science leadership via the Council of Scientific Society Presidents. Marty often told us that for the good of people, scientists need to work together to advocate not just for ‘our science’ but for ‘all science.’ We will miss his dedicated, rigorous, and caring scientific leadership.”—John Downing, friend and colleague. From Chemical and Engineering News, September 26, 2025.