Shirley Hanley

Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Shirley Hanley is a biomedical researcher whose work lies at the intersection of mechanobiology and tissue engineering, with a primary focus on understanding and mitigating fibrotic disease. Her most-cited study, "Intermittent actuation attenuates fibrotic behaviour of myofibroblasts" (2023, 8 citations), represents a significant contribution to the field by demonstrating that dynamic mechanical cues—specifically intermittent actuation—can suppress the pathological activation of myofibroblasts, the key drivers of fibrosis. This work challenges conventional static culture models and offers a promising, non-pharmacological strategy for reducing scar tissue formation. By revealing how cells interpret and respond to changing physical forces, Hanley’s research bridges fundamental cell biology with practical therapeutic design. Though early in her career, her findings have already garnered attention for their potential to inform smarter biomaterials and rehabilitation protocols. Hanley’s work exemplifies how integrating physics and biology can yield novel insights into chronic wound healing and organ fibrosis, positioning her as an emerging voice in regenerative medicine.