Prof. Itskovitz-Eldor is a partner in one of the most important scientific breakthroughs of our times. In 1997, he initiated cooperation with James Thompson of the University of Wisconsin, who reported the fact that he had succeeded in isolating fetal stem cells for the first time in the world. Fetal stem cells are 'eternal', in that they can replicate every cell and tissue in the body. This quality is the basis of Prof. Itskovitz-Eldor's research work, creating cells and tissues for transplantation, in the discovery of genes, and in the manufacture of new medications for widespread severe illnesses.

Prof. Rafael Beyar, Director of Rambam Health Care Campus, who served as the Dean of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at Technion, praised Prof. Itskovitz-Eldor. "Because of his pioneering work, a wide field has opened for the humane use of fetal stem cells in medical research", said Prof. Beyar. "He helped to make Israel into a world power in this field. Using fetal stem cells for heart muscles, creating an artificial pacemaker, nerve cells, endothelial cells of the vascular system and beta cells that secrete insulin are just a few examples of the possible uses of fetal stem cells in the treatment of diseases."