Controlled-Release Research

At Queen's, researchers are pushing the boundaries of controlled release drug delivery to improve the effectiveness, accessibility and safety of therapeutics worldwide. With a commitment to patient-focused innovation, our scientists are designing smarter, more targeted systems to overcome challenges in pharmaceutical science.

Professor Ryan Donnelly leads on work in microneedle technology, developing painless, polymer-based systems for delivering hard to administer drugs, vaccines and photosensitisers through the skin. His innovations, including a patented patch used in cancer treatment, are backed by major funders and have real-world clinical impact.

Dr Alejandro Paredes focuses on nanocrystals to improve delivery of poorly soluble drugs. His research enhances drug targeting, stability, and therapeutic effect, offering new hope for complex diseases and hard-to-treat conditions.

Their work, along with other leading researchers in our School of Pharmacy (ranked in the global top 20 in the QS World University Rankings 2026) positions Queen’s as a leader in controlled release drug delivery, driving innovation in global healthcare.