Christopher Gaffney

Dr. Christopher Gaffney is a Senior Lecturer in Integrative Physiology at Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University. His research bridges molecular physiology (using Caenorhabditis elegans and cell models) with human clinical trials, focusing on the impacts of ageing, surgical stress, and spaceflight analogues on muscle and metabolic health. Funded by UKRI, NIHR, charities, and the Ministry of Defence, he explores prehabilitation strategies to optimize patient outcomes before cancer surgery and investigates mitochondrial dysfunction across diverse stressors.

• Education: PhD in Mitochondrial Physiology (University of Nottingham, 2015)

Research Themes:
Gaffney’s work spans from molecular muscle biology (e.g., mitochondrial sulfide signaling in C. elegans) to applied clinical research (e.g., prehabilitation equity, muscle stress in minimal access surgery). Key areas include:

• Physiological stress mechanisms in ageing and spaceflight
• Mitochondrial health and metabolic regulation
• Exercise physiology for disease prevention
• Technological innovations in glucose sensing

Recent Publications highlight his interdisciplinary approach, with studies on spaceflight-induced muscle atrophy, prehabilitation protocols, and exercise-induced metabolic responses. His scientific awards include BASES accreditation and editorial roles in journals like Scientific Reports.
Advising: Supervises 11 postgraduate students, including Jessica Andrew, Beth McGladrigan, and Abdulwarith Shugaba, often integrating space physiology and clinical exercise science.
Grant Funding: Secured support from UKRI, NIHR, Ministry of Defence, and charities to study stress physiology and prehabilitation.