The Seoul National University Hospital said Monday a member of its staff and professor of anatomy, Lee Wang-jae, has been selected as "International Scientist of the Year for 2004" designated by Britain's International Biographical Centre.

The award is bestowed on scientists with the best research performance in the world.

The hospital said the 49-year-old professor received the award for his published research on vitamin C's capability to selectively kill ulcer cells, while citing his contributions to enhancing the nation's public health.