Op-Ed: Korean stem-cell researchers focus on the clinic

October 15, 2007

The Catholic Church may seem an unlikely host for an international stem cell symposium, but this June the Catholic University of Korea and the Archdiocese of Seoul hosted a gathering of about 300 scientists and participants from some half-dozen countries in which I was invited to participate1. Although there was a wealth of basic science, I was surprised and impressed by how they are also bringing their science to the clinic. Some Korean stem cell science is already in trials. Indeed, South Korean scientists’ commitment to translational research means they will probably be at the forefront in developing important therapies. (Nature)