Project summary

Shaima with her project poster at the lifETIME CDT Student event

Shaima Riha, a lifETIME CDT PhD student at the University of Glasgow, is studying how physical cues, such as the stiffness of the surrounding environment, can affect how human cells behave – especially how they fold proteins inside the cell.
Protein folding is a process where long chains of amino acids are folded into a specific 3D structure, making a biologically active protein. This is essential to allow cells to carry out their normal functions, but disruptions in this process are linked to disease mechanisms in conditions like cancer, fibrosis and neurodegenerative disorders.

By using human stem cells and engineered synthetic biomaterials to recreate realistic tissue environments in the lab, Shaima can study protein folding processes without relying on animal experiments. This approach will not only help Shaima to uncover how diseases develop but also shed new light on how cells respond during tissue repair and regeneration, leading towards advances in many areas of medicine.

Why is animal-free research important to you? 

Animal-free research matters to me because it combines scientific innovation with ethical responsibility. We now have the tools to study human biology in ways that are more accurate and humane using human cells, lab-engineered materials, and computational models. These approaches often provide data that’s more relevant to human health than traditional animal experiments. For me, it’s about doing better science while also reducing animal suffering. I believe research should reflect both compassion and rigour, and animal-free methods allow us to push science forward without compromising either. 

What impact could your research have on replacing animals in medical research? 

Instead of using animals, I work with lab-engineered synthetic materials that mimic the stiffness of human tissues. This allows us to study how conditions like cancer, fibrosis, brain disorders or even tissue regeneration might develop over time. By showing that we can gather meaningful, human-specific data without relying on animals, I believe it is a step toward research that truly reflects human biology. 

What have you enjoyed the most as part of the lifETIME CDT programme?  

What I love most about the lifETIME CDT is how it constantly encourages us to think beyond the bench. It’s not just about doing experiments, it’s about becoming a well-rounded researcher who can collaborate, communicate, and innovate with purpose. Being surrounded by people from different disciplines, each bringing unique perspectives, has challenged and inspired me. The programme has helped me grow not only technically, but also creatively and personally. I’m learning to connect my work to real-world impact, to think across boundaries, and to contribute meaningfully to the future of healthcare and innovation. 

What are you most proud of so far? 

What I’m most proud of so far is finding the confidence to trust my voice as a researcher. Coming from a background where I didn’t always see people like me represented in science, learning to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas has been a big personal and professional step. Whether it’s presenting my work, contributing to discussions, or mentoring others, I’m proud that I’m growing into a scientist who not only does the work but also stands for something which is open, inclusive, and thoughtful science.

What are your future career goals? 

My goal is to continue as a scientist because nothing excites me more than uncovering how and why things work at a fundamental level. Alongside research, I am passionate about making science more accessible regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic background. I want to advocate for inclusive spaces in science and help break down the barriers that keep people out. I also hope to inspire younger generations by showing them what doing science really looks like and that there is a place for them in it. 

What do you like doing outside of the lab?

Outside my research arena, I love going on hikes. It’s my way of recharging and staying grounded. I also enjoy reading manga. For me, it’s more than just entertainment; it’s a reminder that there are many ways to understand people and communicate ideas; something I value just as much in science as I do in stories.