American scientists have denied that the fraud scandal of Hwang Woo-suk will heavily impact stem cell research, saying the creation of human embryonic stem cells is just a matter of time.

In a symposium organized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, experts on Friday cited progress in stem cell research for medical purposes despite the scandal and opposition from the U.S. government.

Harvard University professor Leonard John said, however, that stem cell research will likely face a delay of six months and the commercial application of treatment three years due to the scandal.

Next year, the university will begin construction of a stem cell research center to solidify its lead in the field.