Nissim Benvenisty

Nissim Benvenisty is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at the Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he holds the Herbert Cohn Chair in Cancer Research. He currently serves as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Science and Director of The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research.

Benvenisty earned his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and completed postdoctoral studies at Harvard University. His academic progression at the university includes Senior Lecturer (1993-1998), Associate Professor (1998-2002), and full Professor since 2002, with leadership roles as Department Chair (2006-2009) and Stem Cell Unit Director (2005-2014).

His research focuses on stem cell biology, particularly human pluripotent stem cells, applied to modeling genetic disorders, cancer mechanisms, and human development. He pioneers tissue engineering approaches for regenerative medicine and disease modeling, with significant contributions to understanding stem cell differentiation and genetic stability.

Benvenisty has received extensive recognition including:

• Milken Prize (2016) and Kaye Prize (2010)
• Teva Prize (2003) and Hestrin Prize (1997)
• Herbert Cohn Chair in Cancer Research (1999)
• Howard Hughes and Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowships

He actively shapes global stem cell policy through testimonies before the US Senate and European Union, and serves on leadership boards of the International Stem Cell Initiative, International Society for Stem Cell Research, and International Society of Differentiation. At The Azrieli Center, he leads a multidisciplinary team advancing stem cell therapeutics and genetic research.