Awards

IADR STAR Network Fellowship

The purpose of this fellowship will be to support the awardee's attendance to the IADR General Session & Exhibition, and then to have a research experience in a renowned research laboratory immediately before or after the IADR General Session.

Award Prize/Recognition

$5,000 for travel and accommodations
Pre-Paid Meeting registration

Key Dates

Applications Open:

Jul 11, 2023

Applications Closed:

Dec 01, 2023

Eligibility

Must be an IADR member. Must be a current Ph.D. student OR within five years post- Ph.D.

Apply Now

The purposes of the visit are to:

Network with colleagues in in the area of the candidate´s own research.
Develop an understanding of contemporary research environments.
Learn new and innovative research techniques that can advance the science undertaken by Fellow on their return to their home.
Develop shared research protocols and possible funding applications.

Application requires the following:
- CV – (10 pages maximum)
- Letter of Interest
- Reference Letter from Dean/Chair of applicant’s current institution
Recipients of the IADR STAR Network Fellowship will be required to submit a brief report on their experiences to IADR at the conclusion of the fellowship which may be published as part of the IADR Global Research Update, and will be reported to the IADR Board and Council on an annual basis.
1. The Wen Lab at LSU Health School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA
Research Description: Research in the Wen lab primarily focuses on elucidation of the molecular mechanisms governing the ecology of the oral biofilms and on identification of novel strategies against human dental caries.Over the years, the Wen lab has extensively worked with Streptococcus mutans as a model organism using various modern molecular and bioinformatics techniques and both in vitro and in vivo models mimicking the oral cavity. Sponsored by NIH/NIDCR, one of Dr. Wen’s major projects focuses on biofilm regulatory protein BrpA, a surface-associated multi-function protein with critical roles in S. mutans pathophysiology, aiming to uncover the complexity of the molecular mechanisms that govern the expression of brpA, to elucidate how BrpA modulates the biofilm matrix and affects plaque biofilm development, and to explore the potential of small inhibitory molecules in targeting BrpA in combat against S. mutans and cariogenic biofilms. In an exploratory R21 project, the Wen lab is also working is to uncover how different Lactobacillus spp. establish, persist, and compete in a mixed-species consortium and how interactions with S. mutans influence Lactobacillus’ establishment and the dynamics of a mixed-species community and ultimately, the diversity and pathogenicity of the plaque microbiota.
2. The Xu Lab at LSU Health School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA
Research Description: Research on antimicrobial dental materials (dental composites, bonding agents, sealants, orthodontic adhesives).
3. TBD