Nissim Benvenisty

Nissim Benvenisty is a Professor and Principal Investigator at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, leading a research group within the Department of Genetics at the Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences. His work focuses on stem cell biology, genetics, and epigenetics, with a particular emphasis on pluripotency, genomic stability, and disease modeling. He oversees a lab with active post-doctoral researchers, graduate, and undergraduate students, and has mentored numerous successful former students now leading their own research groups globally.

Research Interests: Dr. Benvenisty’s studies explore the molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell differentiation, imprinting disorders, and cancer-related mutations in pluripotent stem cells. His lab utilizes advanced techniques such as genome-wide screening and CRISPR-Cas9 to investigate synthetic lethality targets and drug resistance pathways. Key areas of focus include understanding the genetic basis of diseases like Fragile X Syndrome and developing safer stem cell therapies.

Publications: His recent work includes groundbreaking studies on haploid stem cells, synthetic lethality in tumors, and epigenetic aberrations in pluripotent stem cells. These contributions highlight his lab’s role in advancing stem cell research and its clinical applications.

Awards: He was honored with the ILANIT-Katzir Prize 2020 for his contributions to stem cell science. His lab’s achievements have been widely reported in international media, emphasizing the translational impact of his research.

Lab & Collaborations: The lab collaborates with institutions globally, including the Weizmann Institute and Technion. Past staff like Dr. Ofra Yanuka contributed significantly before passing away in 2023, underscoring the lab’s enduring legacy.