Aishling Dunne

Papers

Total Citations

132

H-Index

About

Aishling Dunne is a leading researcher in the field of stimuli-responsive materials, with a particular focus on spiropyran-based hydrogels and soft actuators. Her most cited work, "Spiropyran based hydrogels actuators—Walking in the light" (2017, 132 citations), represents a landmark contribution to the development of light-driven soft robotics. In this study, Dunne pioneered the design of hydrogel actuators capable of converting light energy into mechanical motion, demonstrating a walking-like behavior that opened new avenues for autonomous, untethered devices. Her research elegantly bridges photochemistry and materials science, enabling precise control over shape changes and locomotion through molecular-level photoswitching. Beyond this flagship paper, Dunne’s broader contributions have advanced the understanding of how spiropyran moieties can be integrated into polymer networks to create adaptive, self-regulating systems. Her work has been widely recognized for its innovation in smart materials, with applications ranging from biomedical devices to micro-robotics. With over 130 citations on her seminal paper alone, Dunne’s research continues to inspire new generations of scientists exploring the intersection of light, chemistry, and mechanics.