A co-researcher of cloning pioneer Hwang Woo-suk returned home Tuesday morning after visiting the United States and Japan for talks with overseas institutes on stem cell research.

The return of Ahn Kyu-ri, one of the core members of Hwang’s research team, is expected to spur discussions on determining the future direction of the World Stem Cell Hub, which was thrown into dissaray last week after Hwang resigned from the hub's directorship.

Meanwhile, Hwang was again a no-show at his Seoul National University lab Tuesday. A member of his research team said the professor is expected to continue to take a break from his work for some time.

However, the stem cell pioneer did call team members Monday and Tuesday morning to check on the current status of ongoing studies.