Stem cell pioneer Hwang Woo-suk says he is conducting specific and strategic research to achieve practical results.

In a keynote speech Friday at a forum of South Korean and U.S. scientists at the University of California at Irvine, Hwang said the ultimate purpose of his research is to help medical patients.

Following his cloning of a dog, he said Seoul has made it very clear that his research should also target practical purposes, not only academic.

On when he hopes to achieve such practical results, Hwang compared his research to an orchestra in which the hard work and harmony of the conductor and musicians matter, adding nobody can tell when the curtain closes.