President Roh Moo-hyun on Wednesday pledged support for stem cell research to help the country emerge as the global hub of bioengineering.

In a congratulatory speech at the opening of the World Stem Cell Hub at Seoul National University Hospital, he said the institute will open a new chapter in bioengineering through joint research with foreign think tanks and experts.

Roh also said the government will monitor and assist stem cell research based on pro-life ethics.

Cloning pioneer and SNU professor Hwang Woo-suk, who will head the new institute, said the hub will advance research on finding cures for incurable diseases.

His research partner Ahn Gyu-ri will supervise the clinical test division, and the center will form networks with proposed hubs in the United States and Europe.