Newsmaker

Disgraced Hwang seeks pardon

(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-12 14:55

Hwang also claims that some of his stem cells were maliciously switched by other researchers in his lab. He stressed again Thursday that this "is a matter that should definitely be cleared up."

Members of South Korean stem-cell scientist Hwang Woo-suk's research team weep as Hwang (unseen) speaks at a news conference in Seoul January 12, 2006. Disgraced South Korean scientist Hwang apologised on Thursday for wrongdoing at his laboratory, but said his team may have been the victim of a conspiracy trying to discredit them. [Reuters]

Hwang, who at one point was on the verge of tears, also claimed that he has the technology to create patient-specific stem cells under the right conditions.

"I think we can create patient-specific stem cells in six months if eggs are sufficiently provided," he said.

Scientists hope one day to use such technology to treat afflictions including Alzheimer's disease by allowing patients to grow replacement tissue using their own stem cells.

Wearing a suit and tie and speaking in a subdued manner, Hwang was surrounded by about two dozen current and former students.

The government has said it would launch an audit of national funds provided for Hwang's research. Prosecutors also raided Hwang's home in southern Seoul earlier Thursday, seizing evidence related to their investigation into the stem cell fraud, prosecution official Kim Hang-soo said.

The president of Seoul National University apologized Wednesday for the fraud, calling it "an unwashable blemish on the whole scientific community as well as our country" and a "criminal act in academia."

Chung Un-chan said he would seek punishment for Hwang and other researchers on his team.