Davide Marotta, Ph.D.: Science on the International Space Station

The Sanford Stem Cell Institute's Bobby Gordon sits down with Davide Marotta, Ph.D., program director of in-space biomanufacturing at the International Space Station National Laboratory (ISSNL), to discuss the innovative low-Earth orbit economy and the future of science in space. We also discuss ISSNL's collaborations with UC San Diego's Sanford Stem Cell Institute. Before joining the ISSNL in 2022, Dr. Marotta worked as a scientist at the New York Stem Cell Foundation, where his research focused on developing advanced models of neurodegenerative diseases using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids and tracking the effects of microgravity on them. He received both bachelor's and master's of science degrees in biomedicine from the University of Palermo in Italy, and a Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology at University College London. He conducted post-doctoral research at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, where he worked on drug discovery and cancer evolution, and Columbia University in New York, where his research centered on hematopoietic stem cells and aging. Dr. Marotta is the author of the newly released book "The Gravity of Innovation." Published in April 2025, it explores the revolutionary impact of space on science, technology, and industry. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA. This episode was recorded Oct. 15, 2024; information presented was current as of the date of recording.  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KGeB51tGlO0