David Gardner is a world-leading embryologist. His basic animal research laid the foundation for major clinical developments in human IVF. His research has not only significantly improved animal assisted reproduction and breeding programs, but has transformed how human in vitro fertilisation is performed, resulting in significant increases in human pregnancy rates and the birth of millions of children worldwide. His work facilitated the now widely-accepted single embryo transfer and thereby eliminated problems associated with twin/triplet pregnancies. His specialised and improved culture media made it possible to isolate human embryonic stem cells.