Provided are means and methods for producing embryoid bodies (EBs) from multi- or pluripotent cells. In particular, a method of generating embryoid bodies (EBs) is described comprising agitation of a liquid suspension culture of multi- or pluripotent cells in a container until generation of cell aggregates, optionally diluting the suspension, and further agitation of the suspension until formation of EBs. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the novel culturing method and EBs obtained thereby for a variety of applications including genomics, diagnostic assays, teratogenic/embryotoxicological and pharmacological assays as well as for the provision of tissue grafts.