Application Numbers Topped Expectations for 2022 IOF Research Grants Program

The IOF Research Grants Program, organized by the International Orthodontics Foundation (IOF), has wrapped up the application process for 2022. The program was inaugurated in June to set more orthodontists on the straight path to achieving their professional aspirations, and has since received a greater-than-expected number of applications. Each application will be evaluated by the review committee. After a rigorous, fair, and professional review process. The final decisions on grant recipients will be announced in February 2023.

This year, the global orthodontic community members from 11 countries across Asia, North America, and Europe applied for the grants. Among them, the majority (59%) are professors, followed by students (25%) and attending physicians (16%). The applicants submitted a wide range of inspiring current topics, such as genetics and biochemistry in orthodontics, clear aligner materials and orthodontic movement, orthodontic involvement in sleep apnea, diagnostics and AI, microbiology and pathology during orthodontics treatments and more.

“The funding (decision) of the IOF Research Grants Program will be purely based on objective criteria. It really is the first global, inclusive funding of this scale in orthodontics!” described Dr. (Eric) Kang Ting, Executive Director at IOF and Adjunct Professor at Forsyth Institute. Once an international student in the United States, Dr. Ting personally experienced the significance of inclusive and equitable research grants that made his eventual academic success possible.

Objectivity and professionalism are critical to the ongoing evaluation process of the applications. Over 10 members of the review committee are respected orthodontists and academics from around the world. Each application will be reviewed by at least two members of the committee. The reviewers will provide constructive and insightful feedback for improvement, regardless of the grant decision. For the most qualified entries, the…