A pair of world-renowned scientists has reportedly agreed to begin joint studies for the development of new drugs.

According to the research team of stem cell pioneer Hwang Woo-suk, UC Berkeley chemistry professor Kim Sung-ho recently expressed interest in conducting a joint research project, to which professor Hwang agreed.

The team said the Korean American professor was hoping to apply Hwang’s achievements in human embryonic stem cell research to his own studies in order to speed up the development of new drugs.

Despite some potential procedural snags, the two scientists are said to have agreed to do so.

The team said Kim anticipates a shortened animal research period and advanced clinical trial dates by using stem cells in the process of testing potential toxicity in the candidate materials for new drugs.

As a thirty-something researcher in 1973, Professor Kim stunned the world with his discovery of the molecular structure of tRNA. His name has recently been mentioned as a likely candidate for the Nobel Prize.