Five UK-based dental researchers were honoured with prestigious awards at the 2024 International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) General Session, held in collaboration with the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) and the Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR) from 13-16 March in New Orleans, USA. These awards highlight the UK-based researchers' significant contributions to global dental research.

Professor Steven Challacombe

Professor Steven Challacombe, Professor of Oral Medicine at King's College London, was awarded the IADR Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the IADR. This award is given to previous recipients of an IADR Distinguished Scientist Award who have further expanded their impact on science, health research, or population health [also reported in the BDJ in June].

Professor Nikos Donos, Professor & Chair Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London, was honoured with the Distinguished Scientist Award for Periodontal Research. This award is given annually to recognise outstanding research achievements in periodontal disease.

Dr Cher Farrugia, an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow at the University of Bristol, was awarded the IADR STAR Network Fellowship. This fellowship aims to bridge gaps in clinical and basic science research, academic career development, and training methodologies globally.

Dr Katarzyna Gurzawska-Comis

Dr Katarzyna Gurzawska-Comis, Senior Clinical Lecturer/Honorary Specialist in Oral Surgery at the University of Liverpool, received the IADR Joseph Lister Award for New Investigators, supported by Kenvue. This award is presented to early-career researchers who have made original contributions to the prevention of oral diseases or the promotion of oral health.

Dr Cieran Moore from Queen's University Belfast was awarded second place in the IADR Hatton Post-Doctoral Research Category. The IADR Hatton Competition is a prestigious platform for selected junior investigators from all IADR divisions to present their research during the IADR General Session.

BSODR's role in supporting UK research

The British Society for Oral and Dental Research (BSODR) provides a key platform for UK researchers, and students including undergraduates, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation. Through its Annual Meeting, events, grants, and fellowships, BSODR ensures that UK dental research continues to thrive and make significant global contributions.

The annual BSODR Early-Career Researcher (ECR) meeting, supported by the British Dental Association (BDA), is a testament to BSODR's commitment to ECRs. The 2024 ECR meeting, held at the Bristol Dental School, supported by the BDA, provided a platform for young researchers to present their work, network with established professionals, and receive valuable feedback. The next ECR meeting is scheduled to take place in Cardiff in 2025, continuing the tradition of nurturing the next generation of dental researchers.

For those interested in dental research, BSODR offers numerous opportunities to get involved and contribute to the field starting from undergraduate student support up to later stages of dental academics' careers. Membership provides access to a range of events and resources designed to support researchers at all stages of their careers. Readers are encouraged to visit the BSODR website (https://bsodr.org.uk/) to learn more about upcoming events and how to join the society, or use the QR code included with this news story.

The achievements of these UK researchers at the 2024 IADR General Session highlight the country's leading role in global dental research. Supported by organisations like BSODR and the BDA, UK researchers continue to excel on the international stage, advancing our understanding of oral health and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.