The group launched within the framework of the Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Initiative (HipSci) project, funded by Wellcome and MRC implementing methods to characterise cell behaviour of human iPS cells based on microscopy images, collating data with genomics. This work has formed the basis for an innovative collaborative cell phenotyping space - The Stem Cell Hotel.
The research group led by Davide focuses in particular on two model systems: human iPS and patient-derived brain tumour cells. The combination of imaging, biology and artificial microenvironments is aimed directly towards establishing novel platforms for translational research with applications to drug discovery, precision medicine and future therapeutic approaches.
Davide holds an MD from University of Milan, a PhD in Molecular Oncology from the European Institute of Oncology and completed his postdoctoral training with Austin Smith and Steve Pollard at University of Cambridge and University College London. He is a FLIER (Future Leader in Innovation, Enterprise and Research). of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Projects

Defining cell behaviour of human iPS cells using high content imaging
This work started within the framework of the Human induced pluripotent stem cells intiative (HipSci). More recently, phd student Haneen Alsehli has been studying iPS forming sheroids using high content analysis and artificial microenvironments to define inter-relationships between morphology of these structures and lineage differentiation. Haneen Alsehli – Human iPS form spheroids in self-renewing (left) and differentiating (right) conditions (blue, nuclei – red, phalloidin – gray, 3D reconstruction)

Defining cell behaviour of patient-derived brain tumour cells using high content imaging
Wellcome PhD student Victoria Tsang and Research Associate Jason Coombes are exploring the cell behaviour of patient-derived brain tumour cells using artificial microenvironments and high content analysis. Victoria Tsang – Human iPS-derived neural spheroid (brightfield) with protruding axons cocultured with invasive patient-derived glioblastoma cells (purple).
Publications
Awards
Davide was awarded the FLIER (Future Leader for Innovation Enterprise and Research) from the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Grants:
Project | Awarded by: | Awarded to: | Value: | Dates: | Reason: |
A Proof of Concept study for the reprogramming of iPSC to manufacture cancer killing neutrophils | MedCity Ltd | Danovi, D. | £99,999.90 | 1/01/2020 → 31/12/2020 | Research |
Use of 'Axon-like' Nanofibres to quantify and guide Glioblastoma cells migration | Rosetrees Trust | Danovi, D. | £60,000.00 | 1/09/2019 → 31/08/2021 | Research |
Using iPSC variation to define HIV-1 regulatory networks | MRC Medical Research Council | Malim, M., Vigilante, A., Danovi, D., Apolonia, L. | £1,631,019.00 | 1/08/2019 → 31/07/2024 | Research |
Impact of missense mutations in recessive Mendelian disease: insight from ciliopathies | Wellcome Trust | Danovi, D., Watt, F. | £206,112.00 | 1/10/2018 → 30/09/2023 | Research |
Activities

London Stem Cell Network - Annual
19th October 2021 – The Francis Crick Institute (and online)

PhD Students
Ms Haneen Alsehli
Ms Victoria Tsang
Mr Sam Acors (with Mike Malim)
Mr Matthew Tegtmeier (with Fiona Watt)
Projects

Defining cell behaviour of human iPS cells using high content imaging
This work started within the framework of the Human induced pluripotent stem cells intiative (HipSci). More recently, phd student Haneen Alsehli has been studying iPS forming sheroids using high content analysis and artificial microenvironments to define inter-relationships between morphology of these structures and lineage differentiation. Haneen Alsehli – Human iPS form spheroids in self-renewing (left) and differentiating (right) conditions (blue, nuclei – red, phalloidin – gray, 3D reconstruction)

Defining cell behaviour of patient-derived brain tumour cells using high content imaging
Wellcome PhD student Victoria Tsang and Research Associate Jason Coombes are exploring the cell behaviour of patient-derived brain tumour cells using artificial microenvironments and high content analysis. Victoria Tsang – Human iPS-derived neural spheroid (brightfield) with protruding axons cocultured with invasive patient-derived glioblastoma cells (purple).
Publications
Awards
Davide was awarded the FLIER (Future Leader for Innovation Enterprise and Research) from the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Grants:
Project | Awarded by: | Awarded to: | Value: | Dates: | Reason: |
A Proof of Concept study for the reprogramming of iPSC to manufacture cancer killing neutrophils | MedCity Ltd | Danovi, D. | £99,999.90 | 1/01/2020 → 31/12/2020 | Research |
Use of 'Axon-like' Nanofibres to quantify and guide Glioblastoma cells migration | Rosetrees Trust | Danovi, D. | £60,000.00 | 1/09/2019 → 31/08/2021 | Research |
Using iPSC variation to define HIV-1 regulatory networks | MRC Medical Research Council | Malim, M., Vigilante, A., Danovi, D., Apolonia, L. | £1,631,019.00 | 1/08/2019 → 31/07/2024 | Research |
Impact of missense mutations in recessive Mendelian disease: insight from ciliopathies | Wellcome Trust | Danovi, D., Watt, F. | £206,112.00 | 1/10/2018 → 30/09/2023 | Research |
Activities

London Stem Cell Network - Annual
19th October 2021 – The Francis Crick Institute (and online)

PhD Students
Ms Haneen Alsehli
Ms Victoria Tsang
Mr Sam Acors (with Mike Malim)
Mr Matthew Tegtmeier (with Fiona Watt)
Our Partners
GlamAI - https://www.glamorous.ai partner in Innovate UK funded project ‘Glioblastoma Multiforme Patient Stratification through Novel integration of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Phenotypic Screening’)
LIfT BioSciences - https://www.liftbiosciences.com partner in MedCity funded project ‘A Proof of Concept study for the reprogramming of iPSC to manufacture cancer killing neutrophils’
In parallel to his role at King's, Davide has recently joined an award-winning Cambridge biotech.