Align Technology Inc has announced the opening of its 2020 Research Award Program to support clinical and scientific dental research in universities across the globe. This year, up to $300,000 will be awarded to university faculty for scientific and technological research initiatives to advance patient care in the fields of orthodontics and dentistry.

“Align is committed to partnering with academic research institutions to advance the fields of orthodontics and dentistry with the goal to ultimately improve treatment outcomes,” says Zelko Relic, chief technology officer and senior vice president, Global Research & Development, Align Technology. “We are proud of the research findings that have been shared in peer reviewed journals, scientific conferences and presentations as a result of Align’s Research Award Program and look forward to reviewing this year’s submissions.”

Since 2010, the program has funded approximately $2 million in research awards to 28 North American and 65 international research institutions. The money provides insights that include intraoral scanning and patient experience, quality of life changes, as well as insights into the biochemical markers of bone metabolism during early orthodontic tooth movement with clear aligners.

Eligible applicants for dental research awards include full- and part-time faculty involved in dental or scientific research at universities that offer Invisalign treatment.

Awards available for dental research at universities are available in the following regions:

  • Americas (US, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America): Four 1-year awards of up to $25,000 each
  • EMEA: Four 1-year awards of up to $25,000 each
  • APAC: Four 1-year awards of up to $25,000 each 

Research proposals and completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on March 6, 2020. Award recipients will be notified by June 1, 2020. All applications are reviewed by an independent academic committee that forwards its recommendations to Align Technology for final selection.

Program details, instructions, and application forms for prospective applicants can be found at: learn.invisalign.com/researchawards (for American applicants) and learn.invisalign.com/international research (for EMEA and APAC applicants).