Stephen Richardson

Stephen Richardson is a Senior Lecturer in Cell and Tissue Engineering at The University of Manchester, within the School of Biological Sciences and Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine. He leads undergraduate placements and co-directs the Advanced Materials in Medicine initiative. His research focuses on intervertebral disc degeneration, stem cell therapies, and biomaterials, with expertise in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. He has supervised over 20 PhD students and holds leadership roles in global societies like TERMIS and TCES. Awards include the ORS Spine Section Best Podium Award (2017) and the Northwest Young Biotechnologist of the Year (2006). His work spans biomaterial design, biofabrication, and clinical translation, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation.

Education:

• BSc (HONS) Biotechnology, Liverpool John Moores University (1998)
• PhD in Chondrocyte Behavior, University of Liverpool (2002)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2016)

Research Interests:

1. Intervertebral disc cell subpopulation dynamics during development and degeneration
2. iPSC modeling and stem cell-based therapies for disc regeneration
3. Biomaterials and biofabrication for tissue analogues
4. Musculoskeletal tissue engineering (meniscus and intervertebral disc)

His lab employs -omics technologies (RNASeq, proteomics) and CRISPR tools to study cell fate and disease mechanisms, paired with bioreactor and biomaterial studies.

Awards and Activities:

• Global Treasurer of TERMIS (2024–present)
• Programme Chair for TERMIS EU 2023 Conference
• Member of Versus Arthritis Musculoskeletal Research Advisory Group
• External examiner for Cardiff University’s Tissue Engineering MSc

Grants and Collaborations:

• MRC-funded postdoc Dr Christabel Dube studying disc cell transcriptomics
• WT ISSF-funded Dr Samuel Moxon developing biomimetic analogues
• EPSRC and BBSRC grants for biofabrication platforms and aging studies

His lab actively collaborates on public engagement, including the Re-Gen-X website and outreach programs, and contributes to policy through scientific advocacy initiatives.