Bioengineering and Biotechnology
OUR MISSION:
To create, develop and exploit next-generation biotechnologies for improved human health and environmental benefit
Importance
We apply an engineering approach to develop sustainable bioinspired technology, bioderived materials, and cutting-edge medical devices, including smart design, controlled manufacturing, state-of-the-art biomedical modelling, and advanced control and performance characterisations.
RESEARCH FOCUS
Biomechanics, biofluids, and biomaterials
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Biomimetic scaffolds for soft and hard tissues
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Multiscale modelling of soft and hard tissue biomechanics and mechanobiology
Development & functionalisation of bio-sourced materials
Personalised studies of fluid flows for use in virtual human twins
Surgical robotics for ophthalmic procedures
FUNDING PORTFOLIO:
Information Needed
Overview
Bioengineering and biotechnology are revolutionising how we tackle global challenges: from managing and treating disease and disability to food security and climate resilience. At the heart of this transformation are enabling disciplines like biomechanics, biomaterials, biofluid mechanics, and mechanobiology. These disciplines provide the tools to understand and manipulate the physical forces and materials that govern biological systems.
Whether it's designing responsive implants, improving surgical techniques, developing organ-on-chip platforms, or decoding how biological tissues sense and adapt to mechanical stress, these disciplines bridge biology and engineering to deliver real-world impact. As bioengineering and biotechnological capabilities expand, their contributions are not only advancing healthcare and sustainability but also fuelling innovation and growth across the economy.
Additional Capabilities
Our researchers have collaborated with orthopaedic clinicians in Musgrave Park Hospital for over 20 years, contributing to pre-operative planning, intraoperative navigation, and post-operative assessment techniques and devices for total joint replacements. We have a particularly strong simulation capability, including detailed studies of blood flow in the human brain, through to modelling of biological tissues and biomaterials, and structural design and analysis of medical devices and biomimetic scaffolds.
Queen’s Fluid Dynamics Lab
Smart fluid dynamics for a cleaner, faster, healthier world.
We develop and use advanced methods to investigate a wide range of fluid dynamics problems. We develop intelligent machine learning frameworks coupled with emerging actuation and sensing technologies to tackle big issues on turbulence, such as reducing the drag of aircraft to minimise fuel consumption and to reduce our global carbon footprint.
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SeaFEED
Seaweed-powered feed for a cleaner, circular farming future.
SeaFEED is a €1.2 million cross-border research project uniting chemists, biologists, and engineers from Queen’s University Belfast, University of Limerick, and ATU Sligo to develop sustainable seaweed-based feed ingredients for piglets as an alternative to EU-restricted zinc oxide.
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Smart Manufacturing & Robotics Research Group
Engineering the Future of Industry
The Smart Manufacturing & Robotics Research Group at Queen’s develops advanced manufacturing technologies, including parallel robots, robot automation, high-performance machining and assembly, and applies digital simulation and predictive tools to improve manufacturing for aerospace, medical, and other industries.
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