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The ICAT Supervisor list is reviewed annually by the partner universities and updated online in March/April each year.
You can read about the ICAT supervisor selection process and eligibility criteria below:
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Supervisor Database
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Full NameDr Caroline Curtin
Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Webpage:rcsi.com
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- genetics, genomics and molecular biology
- infectious disease and the immune system
- cell and developmental biology/regenerative medicine
- cancer/oncology
- bioengineering/medical devices
- Other
orthopaedics, musculoskeletal applications
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Radiology
- Sports and Exercise Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
- Dentistry
- Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine
- Adolescent medicine
- Dermatology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Radiology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Rheumatology
Our research group focuses on the development of advanced biomimetic 3D scaffold systems to investigate disease mechanisms and design innovative therapeutic strategies. A major theme of our work is the engineering of collagen-based scaffolds functionalised with bioactive molecules or genes to modulate complex biological environments. We apply these platforms across two principal research areas: (i) regenerative medicine, where we design gene-activated scaffolds for enhanced bone and cartilage repair, and (ii) cancer research, where we develop physiologically relevant 3D tumour models to study cancer progression and evaluate novel therapeutic approaches. We currently have projects on-going in breast, prostate and lung cancer and osteosarcoma.
We work at the interface of biomaterials, gene therapy, and translational medicine, with a strong focus on creating clinically relevant, patient-centred solutions. Recent publications highlight our contributions in gene-activated scaffolds for bone repair (e.g. Castaño et al., Acta Biomaterialia, 2023, doi: 10.1002/adma.202307639, and 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.03.042), mechanosignalling in cartilage (Hodgkinson et al, Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2022, doi: 10.1038/s41584-021-00724-w) and in 3D models for lung, breast and prostate cancer (Costard et al., Acta Biomaterialia, 2020 doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.01.023).
Our group provides an interdisciplinary training environment, equipping trainees with the skills to contribute to next-generation therapies and to advance patient care.
Our group offers PhD opportunities at the exciting intersection of biomaterials, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. We are dedicated to engineering next-generation 3D scaffold systems that recreate the complexity of human tissues, providing powerful platforms to understand disease progression and to pioneer novel therapies.
One potential project focuses on developing responsive gene-activated scaffolds for targeted breast or prostate cancer therapy. These 3D collagen-based scaffolds will be engineered to release therapeutic genes in response to environments typical of tumours. Students will investigate how this smart delivery system can alter cancer cell behaviour, disrupt tumour growth, and enhance treatment response.
Another project could explore biomimetic scaffolds for regenerative medicine, for example in bone and cartilage repair. Here, students will design and characterise gene-functionalised scaffolds that drive stem cell differentiation and tissue regeneration. We have already identified novel gene targets that have potential in these research fields. This project combines advanced biomaterials design with cutting-edge molecular and cellular biology techniques to accelerate the development of clinically relevant repair strategies.
All projects in our group are inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on biomaterials engineering, molecular biology, cell culture, and translational science. Students will gain hands-on experience in scaffold fabrication, gene delivery technologies, 3D disease modelling, and state-of-the-art imaging and analytical methods. Our strong links with clinical collaborators provide opportunities to ensure that discoveries have clear translational pathways.
We are looking for motivated candidates with an interest in bridging basic science and translational medicine, who want to contribute to research with real impact on patient health. Graduates from our group will be well-positioned for careers in academia, biotech, or clinical research innovation. We have a proven track record of training and mentoring clinician scientists who go on to successful academic and clinical careers.