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Hydrogel bioprinting
Layer-by-layer deposition of a heterogeneous hydrogel construct.
Source & licenceTERG · RCSI
Engineering materials that help the body repair itself.
We develop advanced biomaterials, scaffolds and therapeutic-delivery systems for regenerative medicine—connecting fundamental bioengineering with clinical and commercial translation.
About TERG
Who we are.
TERG is RCSI’s multidisciplinary Tissue Engineering Research Group.
Our scientists, engineers and clinical collaborators design biomaterials that provide structure, biological instruction and targeted therapeutic delivery. We work across bone, cartilage, cardiovascular, neural and other regenerative applications, with translation built into the research from the start.
Discover our research
Explore TERG
From materials to medicine.
From concept to clinic
A connected research journey.
TERG connects material design, advanced fabrication, biological validation and translation in one multidisciplinary environment.
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Design the material
Define architecture, mechanics and biological instruction around an unmet need.
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Build and characterise
Use biofabrication, imaging and mechanical testing to turn concepts into reproducible systems.
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Validate the biology
Study cells, tissues and disease models using imaging and quantitative assays.
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Translate with partners
Work with clinicians, patients and industry toward meaningful healthcare impact.
ExploreScience in motion
Watch materials take shape.
Real open-science footage of biofabrication, cell migration and three-dimensional imaging.
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Wound-healing dynamics
Cell migration across a controlled microfluidic wound-healing assay.
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Micro-CT reconstruction
A three-dimensional reconstruction revealing internal molar anatomy.
Source & licenceResearch
Platforms built for clinical challenges
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Biomaterial scaffolds
Natural-polymer scaffolds engineered to reproduce extracellular-matrix structure, guide cell behaviour and support tissue repair.
7 associated researchers
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Hydrogels
Injectable, printable and stimuli-responsive hydrogels for controlled delivery, tissue support and next-generation biomedical devices.
6 associated researchers
Explore research area03
Biofabrication and 3D printing
Additive-manufacturing and bioprinting approaches that organise biomaterials, cells and conductive components with spatial precision.
5 associated researchers
Explore research areaTERG at a glance
Research built through scale and collaboration.
Selected verified indicators of the group’s people, programmes, partnerships and translational activity.
Researchers
The multidisciplinary scale reported by RCSI for TERG.
Principal investigators
Across biomaterials, therapeutics, devices and clinical applications.
Research programmes
From enabling platforms to tissue-specific repair.
Current spin-outs
Named on RCSI’s TERG commercial-engagement page.
HealthTech hub
ARC Hub investment that includes TERG-led projects.
Selected publications
Recent work from the lab
Laminin 1 enhances the angiogenic and neurogenic potential of collagen-based scaffolds for complex wound healing applications.
3D-Printing of Electroconductive MXene-Based Micro-Meshes in a Biomimetic Hyaluronic Acid-Based Scaffold Directs and Enhances Electrical Stimulation for Neural Repair Applications
Our team
Multidisciplinary by design
Director of TERG · Professor of Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine · Principal Investigator
Fergal O’Brien
Biomaterials · Tissue engineering · Regenerative medicine
Senior Lecturer · Principal Investigator
Ciara Murphy
Biomaterials · Bioengineering · Bioinorganic ions
Inside TERG
The TERG research community.
TERG brings scientists, engineers, clinicians and research support colleagues together around a shared goal: turning rigorous biomaterials research into better options for patients.
Standards & culture
A responsible, inclusive research environment.
Laboratory sustainability
Certified for greener research.
RCSI was the first university in Ireland to achieve My Green Lab Certification across all research and teaching laboratories. TERG contributes to this programme through more sustainable day-to-day research practice.
Read about My Green Lab at RCSI
Equality, diversity & inclusion
Athena SWAN Bronze Renewal Award.
The Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine and TERG hold the internationally recognised Athena SWAN Bronze Renewal Award, reflecting an ongoing commitment to gender equality and representation.
Learn about Athena SWAN at RCSILatest news
Latest from TERG
New anticancer vaccine approach targets neuroblastoma (opens in a new tab)
Research led by Olga Piskareva provides early preclinical evidence for an mRNA vaccine approach targeting neuroblastoma.
TERG develops first synthetic mitral-valve model of its kind (opens in a new tab)
The low-cost model reproduces the heart valve’s complex directional mechanics under physiological pressure and flow.
Oran Kennedy leads new national hard-tissue facility (opens in a new tab)
HARD2HISTO will support preparation and analysis of bone, joints, teeth and tissues incorporating complex medical devices.
Beyond the bench
Research connected to people and practice.
Explore how TERG works with patients, public communities, industry partners and future researchers.
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Public and patient involvement
See how lived experience and public engagement help shape relevant, responsible research.
Explore outreach 02Industry and spin-outs
Explore collaborations, translation pathways and companies emerging from TERG research.
Explore impact 03Work with TERG
Find student, visiting-researcher, PhD and postdoctoral routes into the group.
Explore opportunitiesTranslation & collaboration
Research designed to travel.
We work across academic, clinical and industry boundaries to move biomaterial discoveries towards real patient benefit.
Explore our impact
Join or visit the lab
Interested in working with us?
Explore opportunities, propose a collaboration or arrange a research visit.