Prof. Hwang Woo-suk, who is credited with the first-ever extracting of stem cells from cloned human embryos, is likely to be designated the nation's "Best Scientist."

The Ministry of Science and Technology said Wednesday that Prof. Hwang is almost certain to become the first of some ten scientists who will be accorded the title in the future. A second scientist is scheduled to be selected in the second half of this year.

The Best Scientist designation would grant the honoree research funds of up to three billion won in addition to money for purchasing research equipment and facilities and maintaining a laboratory staff of up to one-hundred researchers.

The ministry said it will select the Best Scientists from among figures whose achievements have been widely recognized both at home and abroad.