The research team of world stem cell pioneer Hwang Woo-suk will soon make public its official position on the sudden departure of a prominent American research partner from the team.

Seoul National University Professor Ahn Kyu-ri said in a phone interview with KBS that team members had discussed the matter until late Sunday, but have yet to finalize their position as they were unable to get in contact with the U.S. researcher, Gerald Schatten.

The director of the Pittsburgh Development Center, Professor Schatten has worked with Hwang for more than a year and helped oversee the launch of a joint stem cell research team.

Ahn said that, while Hwang was shocked at the American scientist’s abrupt departure, the world stem cell hub project would proceed without a hitch.

She added that an official announcement will be made as soon as the team contacts Schatten to confirm his reason for leaving.