Savvas is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Glasgow. He first studied at Glasgow, earning a BSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology followed by an MRes in Biomedical Sciences, where he explored subjects ranging from oncogenic epigenetics to the use of nanokicking as a novel way to direct stem cell fate. After a year investigating how circadian disruption impacts telomere dynamics in in vivo models, he moved to the University of York for his PhD. There, his research focused on mesenchymal stromal cells, their secretome, and the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles. Returning to Glasgow, Savvas joined Prof. Matthew Dalby’s group as a PDRA on a major multidisciplinary grant, developing biomaterials to engineer in vitro stem cell niches. His work combines cell biology, biomaterials, and translational science, with the aim of advancing regenerative medicine and uncovering new strategies for cell-based therapies.

My research focuses on the development of an in vitro bone marrow niche using biomaterials. I'm interested to see how culturing cells on different subtrates affects their stemness and their supportive role as part of a niche. 

Co-supervisor for lab based projects alongside Prof Matthew J. Dalby

• Snigdha Subrata Talukder (MRes) - Exploring the extracellular vesicle uptake efficiency of mesencymal stromal cell and acute myeloid leukemia cells (2025).
• Indrani Goswami (BSc) - Assessing the effect of polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels on cellular senescence in primary mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells (2024).
• Nicola Bakirtzi (summer student) - Isolation and characterisation of mesenchymal stromal cell derived extracellular vesicles for senescent studies (2024). 
• Elif Babayigit (visitor) - Isolation and characterisation of mesenchymal stromal cell derived extracellular vesicles (2024).