The creator of Dolly, the world's first cloned sheep, has proposed conducting joint research with Professor Hwang Woo-suk to develop stem cell treatments for Lou Gehrig's disease.

Professor Ian Wilmut of the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, who arrived in Seoul on Monday, made the proposal during a news conference held at Seoul National University Wednesday.

The British scientist said he believes a breakthrough could be provided in treating Lou Gehrig's disease if Professor Hwang's stem cell research efforts are combined with British know-how on the disease that damages the neuromuscular system.

In response, Professor Hwang said that after talking with the British scientist, he found the proposal positive even though he has yet to make a final decision on the matter.

Professor Hwang added that the development of new stem cell treatment for the disease could potentially bring about a great medical coup in other areas of treatments.

Professor Hwang is credited with the first-ever extraction of stem cells from cloned human embryos.