Jan 12, 2006, 10:18 GMT
Seoul - Disgraced South Korean scientist Hwang Woo Suk Thursday apologized for fabricating research in his allegedly innovative stem-cell studies at the same time he called for a thorough investigation into what he claimed was tampering with his research.
South Korean stem cell pioneer Hwang woo-suk reacts during a press conference in Seoul, South Korea. Thursday 12 January 2006. Prosecutors raided the home and offices of Hwang as part of a criminal probe into the alleged misuse of state funds, reports said. EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN
'I ask for your forgiveness,' he told a televised press conference in his first public appearance in three weeks. 'I feel so miserable that it's difficult even to say sorry.'
Two days earlier a Seoul National University panel investigating Hwang concluded he had never cloned human embryos and had purposively fabricated results for two landmark papers published in Science journal.
Hwang, 53, said he would take full responsibility for the fabrication of the research papers and admitted to exaggerating data published in Science in May 2005.
However, the veterinarian stood by his assertion that samples were switched at a hospital and named three researchers he believes conspired against his work.
Wednesday, the government stripped Hwang of the title 'top scientist' and the university apologized for the fraud.
Prosecutors are investigating Hwang's case and he may face charges of embezzlement of government funds. His home and office were searched and possible evidence was seized on Thursday.
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