University of Pittsburgh professor Gerald Schatten says cloning pioneer Hwang Woo-suk’s embryonic stem cell research is aimed at promoting the health and welfare of all mankind.

The leading reproductive and developmental scientist on Tuesday made the remarks to a news conference for the World Knowledge Forum 2005 in Seoul.

Schatten said that Professor Hwang’s achievements are giving hope of rehabilitation and recovery to the physically disabled and those suffering from incurable diseases.

Regarding the concerns over the ethical implications of stem cell research, he said he has no intention of producing conflict between science and ethics, adding that he would choose proper methods and goals for his work in such a way as to not undermine human dignity.

Schatten also said that he would focus on patients with spinal cord injuries in his embryonic stem cell research.