South Korea’s top university was forced to make an apology Wednesday following revelations that a scientist at the university had faked claims over his stem cell research.
An investigation panel made up of members of Seoul National University concluded Tuesday that the once-heralded scientist, Hwang Woo-suk, had faked all of his research on human stem cells leading to fraudulent claims he made in two landmark papers, reports AP.In the 2004 paper, published in US journal Science, Hwang made the monumental claim that he cloned a human embryo and extracted stem cells from it. Then in a 2005 paper Hwang claimed he had produced the first embryonic tailored stem cells. Both claims have now been completely discredited by the Seoul National University panel.
"I, as the president of the university, sincerely apologize to the public," Chung Un-chan, the head of the state-run institution, told a nationally televised news conference.
Chung described Hwang’s fraud as “an unwashable blemish on the whole scientific community as well as our country” and a “criminal act in academia”, adding that he would be seeking punishment for the debunked scientist and other researchers on his team.
Chung Myung-hee, the head of the panel, told reporters Tuesday: “Hwang's team did not have the data for the stem cell lines in the 2004 paper, but fabricated it."
The investigation panel added: “These individuals cannot be regarded to represent science in Korea.”
Meanwhile, the South Korean government said it would withdraw Hwang’s “top scientist” title, an honour created especially for him following the alleged breakthroughs.Hwang's team did not have the data for the stem cell lines in the 2004 paper, but fabricated it.
Chung Myung-hee, head of investigation panel
Hwang’s alleged findings excited scientists around the world who hoped stem cells could now be used to develop new treatments of diseases from Alzheimer’s to diabetes.
Hwang, who has remained in seclusion since his resignation from Seoul National University in December 2005, continues to maintain that his findings are genuine, saying they were South Korean technology and that they would be proved.
Prosecutors said they may start a criminal probe into Hwang on suspicion that he misused state funds based on the findings of the panel’s report.
Although the panel’s report did not publicise any findings on who may have been responsible for the fabrication, the panel said the false claims in the May 2005 paper undermined the principles of science and Hwang must carry much of the blame.
