Dr Ciara Murphy, Senior Lecturer from the RCSI Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, the Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER) and RCSI Tissue Engineering Research Group, has been named a partner on a prestigious €6.5 million Horizon Europe grant.

The funding will support HYDROHEAL, an ambitious research initiative aimed at developing smart, sustainable biomaterials to transform the treatment of bone loss and fractures.

As part of the international HYDROHEAL consortium, Dr Murphy will advance the development of injectable hydrogels made from natural, renewable sources. These hydrogels are designed not only to support bone healing – particularly in the spine and jaw – but also to deliver therapeutics precisely when and where they are needed, activated by external signals.

“What sets HYDROHEAL apart is the integration of intelligent biomaterials with advanced drug delivery systems,” said Dr Murphy. “Our goal is to create eco-friendly, scalable solutions that don’t just support healing – they actively enhance it, improving outcomes for patients with serious skeletal injuries.”

The project addresses a significant clinical need. Fractures caused by injury, infection, osteoporosis or cancer remain a major global health challenge, and current treatments such as bone grafts and bone cement have limitations in effectiveness and safety. HYDROHEAL’s bioengineered hydrogels will incorporate features to support healing, fight bacterial infection, and enable real-time treatment monitoring. They will also be enhanced through machine learning and digital design tools, helping ensure sustainable, cost-effective production at clinical scale.

In addition to scientific innovation, HYDROHEAL will be informed by public and patient involvement (PPI). Patient groups affected by spinal and jawbone injuries will be directly engaged through focus groups, surveys, and consultation activities. The project aims to collaborate with at least five patient associations, ensuring that patient needs and priorities guide the research.

Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RCSI, welcomed the award: “This Horizon Europe funding reflects the outstanding calibre of Dr Murphy’s work and the strategic impact of RCSI’s regenerative medicine research. HYDROHEAL is an excellent example of how scientific innovation, when grounded in clinical need and sustainability, can drive meaningful change in healthcare.”

Learn more about the Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine and the Tissue Engineering Research Group at RCSI.