The resignation of South Korean stem cell pioneer Hwang Woo-Suk last week after he admitted to unethical conduct has left international researchers reiterating the need for stringent regulation of the field.
Hwang, who conducts his research at Seoul National University, admitted on Thursday (November 24) that two women working in his lab as junior scientists had given their eggs for stem cell research in 2002 and 2003, a fact he had been aware of—but denied--in May 2004.
According to reports from Korean news outlets, Hwang told a press conference that, to take full responsibility for the scandal, he would resign from "all posts," including leading positions at the Seoul stem cell team and the World Stem Cell Hub, which opened last month. He said he would, however, continue his research.
"I am very sorry that I have to tell the public words that are too shameful and horrible," he was ...
