James Henstock

James Henstock is an Associate Professor of Tissue Engineering at Northumbria University's Department of Applied Sciences. His research focuses on bioreactor-based strategies for musculoskeletal tissue engineering in both terrestrial and space environments. He holds a BSc in Molecular Biology from the University of East Anglia, an MPhil in Developmental Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham, and a PhD in Biomaterials from the University of Nottingham.

Research interests include designing bioreactors for 3D cell culture systems, biomaterials, biofabrication, and additive manufacturing. His work contributes to regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and cultivated meat. Notable projects include Project MicroAge (UK Space Agency-funded), which studied muscle aging in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. He is a member of the European Space Agency's BioCulture Facility Definition Team and Northumbria's Space and BioFutures interdisciplinary research themes.

Dr. Henstock has been awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Fellowship and is actively involved in promoting fairness in academia. He serves on panels for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), including EPSRC and BBSRC, and is an LGBTQ+ Voice for the University’s Research Culture Committee.