After almost three-and-a-half years, the trial of Korean stem-cell researcher Woo Suk Hwang may be drawing to a close.

In two seminal papers published in Science in 2004 and 2005, Hwang claimed to have created patient-specific embryonic stem cells using cloning techniques. In January 2006, a committee at Seoul National University, where Hwang held a post, found that the results were all fabricated.

On 24 August this year, in a final evidence hearing, prosecutors requested a four-year prison term for Hwang, who is charged with fraud, embezzlement of state funds and violation of the country’s bioethics law. Hwang has continually claimed he was duped.

Korean media report that the court is expected to hand down a decision in mid-October.