The third International Stem Cell Symposium on Thursday opened at Yonsei University in Seoul for a two-day run.

More than 20 researchers from five countries will present papers on the trends and prospects of embryonic and somatic stem cell research to an estimated 600 scientists from home and abroad.

Four leading researchers including Indiana University professor Hal Broxmeyer presented opening speeches on stem cells in umbilical cord blood and using study results to fight diabetes.