Words of Wisdom

South Korean Stem-Cell Researcher Resigns
By BO-MI LIM, Associated Press Writer


South Korean researcher Hwang Woo-suk resigned from his university on Friday after the school said he fabricated stem-cell research that had raised hopes of new cures for hard-to-treat diseases.
A university panel, releasing initial findings of a probe, accused Hwang of damaging the scientific community with his deception, while South Korea's government rued the scandal surrounding the country's star scientist and said it may pull its funding for his research."I sincerely apologize to the people for creating a shock and disappointment," Hwang told reporters as he was leaving his office at Seoul National University, considered the country's top institution of higher learning.


The above story which came out this morning gave me pause......I was shocked at what appears to be this scientist's apparent ethical lapse in fabricating his research. What is most sad is the profound effect this has had and will continue to have on students there, especially in a nation like Korea where an extremely high moral compass prevails and respect for family elders and the importance of education is paramount. I have always been impressed with the Korean students I've met here and it is just very sad that one of their shining stars has fallen from grace. I include two photos showing the reaction of students at the news conference where Hwang announced his resignation......Their faces says it all.....