One-year anniversary: 23 projects, new research findings and strong partnerships
Happy faces – then and now. The Advancing Oral Health research profile has gotten off to a flying start since its launch last September, according to a report on its first year of operations submitted to the profile’s main funder, the Knowledge Foundation.
Twenty-three projects are underway, with results generated across all four themes of the profile. The number of citations for researchers has increased by ten percent. During its first year, the Advancing Oral Health research profile has made significant progress and is off to a flying start.
“It’s been an intensive but inspiring year. Everyone involved has contributed with positive energy, a collaborative spirit, and extensive expertise,” says Birgitta Häggman-Henrikson, who leads the profile.
The profile management team recently summarised the first year in a report for its primary funder, the Knowledge Foundation (KK-stiftelsen). The report concludes that the profile’s first year has proceeded as planned. Collaborations are now underway with the partners from industry and the dental care sector.
Research findings have already been published across several areas.
Studies have shown, among other things, that oral health still is not adequately addressed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Other projects have investigated the functional characteristics of zirconia-based dental implants, as well as how oral bacteria develop strategies to capture and bind proteins from saliva and serum to their surface, potentially influencing their ability to adapt to the oral cavity.
“It is very encouraging that research within the profile has been able to quickly deliver new knowledge that in the long term will benefit patients,” says Häggman-Henrikson. “During the first year, the management team has focused on initiating, and evaluating activities, as well as establishing support processes for the researchers and industry partners.”
The report also concludes that the internal organisation and structure have largely functioned as intended and effectively supported collaboration. Researchers from different disciplines have come together through thematic meetings, seminars and full-day workshops featuring guest speakers.
A workshop was recently held for the researchers and partners involved. Monica Holmner, a patient representative on the profile’s Advisory Board, led parts of this meeting. Drawing on her extensive experience in similar roles, she facilitated in-depth discussions among the participants on how patients and the public can engage in research and how this can influence long-term healthcare issues beyond academia.
“Patient experiences are a vital source of knowledge. When their perspectives are incorporated into research, this increases the potential to develop solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives,” says Holmner.
