Benjamin Dekel

Prof. Benjamin Dekel is a Full Professor of Pediatrics at Tel Aviv University's School of Medicine, serving as Director of the Sagol Center for Regenerative Medicine. He concurrently holds leadership positions at Sheba Medical Center as Head of the Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute and Director of the Division of Pediatric Nephrology.

His academic credentials include:

• BSc and MD from Technion (highest honors)
• PhD from Weizmann Institute of Science (highest honors)
• Pediatric Residency at Sheba Medical Center
• Post-Doctoral fellowship in stem cell biology at Weizmann Institute
• Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship at Schneider Medical Center

Internationally recognized as an innovator in renal regenerative medicine, Prof. Dekel pioneered the identification of human renal stem/progenitor cells and their therapeutic applications. His research bridges developmental biology, cancer therapy, and tissue engineering with emphasis on pediatric kidney diseases. Key contributions include developing stem cell-based approaches for kidney regeneration and targeted cancer treatments.

His major honors include:

• Youdim Prize for Excellence in Cancer Research
• Israel Medical Association Prize for Outstanding Medical-Scientific contributions

Prof. Dekel holds elected memberships in the American Society of Clinical Investigation (ASCI), American Society of Pediatric Research (APS/SPR), and Israeli National Academy of Science in Medicine. He previously served as Visiting Professor at Stanford University's Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine.

He directs the Sagol Center for Regenerative Medicine and Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute, leading multidisciplinary teams focused on translating stem cell discoveries into clinical therapies for kidney disorders and childhood cancers.