Existing medical implants are, in the main, merely tolerated by the surrounding tissue.   Research in the Department concerns the next generation of medical materials that will interact therapeutically with the body, having bioactive structures that encourage repair and regeneration, as well as providing tailored mechanical support, or releasing drugs at a controlled rate.  

Research themes include ice templated scaffolds, biodegradable and bioactive polymers, ceramics and composites and active surface design.   We are developing materials for a wide range of target clinical applications.

​The image shows the results of simulations of spinal movements.