Embryonic Stem Cell Research Advocacy Group Revokes Hwang’s Award

Bioethics   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Dec 23, 2005   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Advocacy Group Revokes Hwang’s Award Email this article
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
December 23, 2005

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — After an investigation by Seoul National University revealed disgraced human cloning scientist Hwang Woo-Suk fabricated most, if not all, of his embryonic stem cell research, an advocacy group fighting for more taxpayer funding for it has withdrawn an award it gave to him.

The Genetics Policy Institute announced Friday afternoon that it is revoking its 2005 Global Achievement Award, given to Hwang at its annual dinner in Houston in June.

"The Global Achievement Award was intended for an individual who has made a monumental worldwide contribution to the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine," Bernard Siegel, executive director of GPI, said in a statement obtained by LifeNews.com.

"The basis for recognizing Dr. Hwang was his reported landmark achievement in the creation of patient-matched stem cell lines. However, the results of an investigation by Seoul National University have shown that Hwang’s results were largely fabricated," Siegel explained.

Siegel added that based upon the investigation’s findings and he fact that Hwang’s May 2005 paper published in the journal Science has been withdraw, his group is revoking the award.

Siegel, a longtime advocates of taxpayer-funded embryonic stem cell research, discussed his disappointment with recent revelations about Hwang’s fraudulant work.

"The Science article raised the hopes of many patients, their families and friends," Siegel said. "Dr Hwang stood in front of our audience and accepted accolades and applause that he did not deserve. His conduct is a grave disappointment to the stem cell advocacy movement and constitutes a betrayal of trust to the patient community."

Despite the devstating blow to embryonic stem cell research, Siegel claimed more research should go forward and public funds should be used to support it.

"The lesson to be learned is that research needs to be moved forward in the United States, funded by NIH, under strict ethical guidelines," Siegel said.