Pioneering Cell Biologist Wins 2026 Lifetime Achievement in Wound Healing Science

Manuela Martins-Green, a professor of cell biology at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), has been awarded the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Wound Healing Society. The honour recognises her decades of groundbreaking research into wound healing and tissue repair, shaping advancements in regenerative medicine.

Martins-Green's research centres on how wounds heal at the cellular and molecular levels, with a key focus on the role of chemokines—signalling proteins that guide cell movement and repair. Her findings have helped identify new drug candidates and biomaterials designed to speed up recovery in damaged tissues.

One of her most notable contributions is an animal model that replicates human chronic wounds, allowing scientists to study disease progression and test treatments in conditions that closely mirror real-world cases. Beyond lab research, she has led clinical trials aimed at refining therapies through precision medicine.

Her investigations also extend to environmental toxins, particularly the impact of tobacco smoke on tissue regeneration. The work has been widely published, with over 150 peer-reviewed articles to her name. She holds two patents, demonstrating her ability to turn scientific discoveries into practical medical tools.

Martins-Green's influence reaches beyond research. She has mentored countless students, many of whom now hold leading positions in science and healthcare. Her achievements have earned her fellowships from both the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Wound Healing Society.

The 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award highlights Martins-Green's lasting impact on wound healing science, advancing both fundamental knowledge and clinical treatments, improving care for patients with chronic injuries. The award also underscores her role in training the next generation of scientists and physicians.