A joint research group of world-renowned scientists will be organized to build on Professor Hwang Woo-suk's success in producing embryonic stem cells individually tailored to terminally ill patients.

Park Ki-young, an advisor to the president on matters of information, science and technology, says the government is seeking to form an international joint research consortium. The research group will study ways to develop Hwang's cloned embryonic stem cells into cells capable of replacing damaged tissue in patients with incurable diseases.

The joint research group will consist of experts from around the globe, including British scientist Ian Wilmut, who created the world's first cloned sheep, and a Harvard medical research team. The group will also have specialized teams for separate incurable diseases such as diabetes, spinal paralysis, Lou Gehrig's disease, myocardial infraction, HIV AIDS, and leukemia. The global grand consortium will be formed with the goal of advancing Hwang's work.

Park says the government is considering various ways to fund this project. For example, it may allocate a part of the national budget to match contributions from participating countries.