Domestic scientists say the controversy over human egg donations should not hold back the stem cell research of Hwang Woo-suk.

Maria Infertility Hospital Medical Institute director Park Se-pil on Tuesday said the nation is the world leader in embryonic stem cell research and must not lose its position over an ethics debate.

Reports say Hwang used eggs purchased from women to conduct his stem cell experiments, and the ensuing controversy caused American researcher Gerald Schatten to sever ties with Hwang after 20 months.

Dr. Han Yong-man of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology said Hwang obtained the controversial eggs before bioethical regulations were passed, adding excessive criticism should not get in the way of key research.

Seoul National University professor Kang Gyeong-seon said Hwang should be allowed to resume his research despite the controversy.