The Legacy of the Hwang Case: Research Misconduct in Biosciences

What is this about?

This paper focuses on the infamous case of Hwang Woo Suk, the South-Korean national hero and once celebrated pioneer of stem cell research. After briefly discussing the evolution of his publication and research scandal in Science, the author attempts to outline the main reactions that emerged within scientific and bioethical discourses on the problem of research misconduct in contemporary biosciences. This is a factual case.

Why is this important?

Regulatory oversight, ethical requirements and institutional safeguards are often viewed by the scientific community as merely decelerating scientific progress and causing delays in the application of treatments. The Hwang’s case represents how unimpeded progress works in contemporary science. Thus, the case might shed light on the often neglected benefits of “the social control of science”.

For whom is this important?

Researchers

Other information

When

Where

Korea

Virtues & Values

Good Practices & Misconduct

Research Area