- Event
- Expressions Spring 2026
Innovation in Action
Highlights from the Annual Scientific Meeting 2026
Oral presentation session at the Annual Scientific Meeting
The Faculty of Dentistry’s Annual Scientific Meeting 2026 once again proved to be a cornerstone event for academic exchange and research innovation, drawing together a vibrant community of over 200 students and staff for a full day of learning and inspiration.
This year, the Faculty was honoured to welcome Professor Nicholas Jakubovics, Professor of Oral Microbiology at Newcastle University and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Dental Research, as the keynote speaker. In his thought-provoking lecture on the future of dental research, Professor Jakubovics offered a forward-looking perspective on how emerging scientific advances and interdisciplinary collaboration will reshape oral health care in the years to come. His insights challenged participants to think beyond traditional boundaries and to envision new possibilities for impactful research.
The programme was further enriched by a series of “Lunch and Learn” sessions, where more than 60 students and staff engaged in lively discussions on topics related to dental research. These informal yet intellectually stimulating exchanges provided a valuable platform for participants to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from one another in a more interactive setting.
One of the presenters showcases her latest findings
Research activity was also on full display during the oral presentation sessions. A total of 57 presenters – spanning undergraduate, taught postgraduate, and research postgraduate students, as well as researchers – showcased their latest findings and clinical advancements. The breadth of topics and the quality of presentations highlighted the Faculty’s strong research culture and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of dental scientists and clinicians.
To recognise excellence and encourage continued pursuit of high-quality research, 18 participants were honoured with Outstanding, Excellent, and Merit Presentation Awards. These accolades not only celebrated individual achievements, but also underscored the collective effort of a community dedicated to advancing oral health through rigorous inquiry and innovation.
Building on the success of this year’s meeting, the Faculty looks forward to further strengthening its research endeavours and fostering an environment where new ideas can flourish, collaborations can grow, and discoveries can translate into better clinical outcomes for patients and communities.
Professor Nicholas Jakubovics is the keynote speaker
The Annual Scientific Meeting drawing a vibrant community of over 200 students and staff
Professor Sang Jin Lee shares his ideas at the meeting
Participants honoured with Presentation Awards
Winners of Presentation Awards
Outstanding Presentation Award
Mr Jing Hao
Primary Supervisor: Professor Kuo Feng Hung
Abstract Title: OralGPT-Omni: A Versatile Dental Multimodal Large Language Model
Ms Chenxi Li
Primary Supervisor: Professor Peng Gao
Abstract Title: Biochemical-knowledge-driven machine learning pipeline for generating potent antimicrobial peptides"
Mr Yingheng Liu
Primary Supervisor: Professor Kiho Cho
Abstract Title: In-Situ Robotic Engineering of Anti-fibrotic Biointerfaces for Maxillofacial Implant Integration
Mr Tsutao Henry Loo
Primary Supervisor: Professor Teddy Weifa Yang
Abstract Title: Do metal artifacts from orthodontic brackets affect AI-driven tooth segmentation in CBCT?
Ms Yeuk Ying Wong
Primary Supervisor: Professor Ho Nang Edmond Pow
Abstract Title: Rehabilitation of Worn Dentition – A Case Report
Dr Jing Zhang
Primary Supervisor: Professor Chun Hung Chu
Abstract Title: Periodontitis related quorum sensing molecule OC8: a hidden driver in colitis exacerbation
Excellent Presentation Award
Dr Tin Wing Joyce Li
Primary Supervisor: Professor Mike Leung
Abstract Title: Ten-year-plus Follow-up Study on Coronectomy of the Mandibular Third Molar
Ms Vidhyashree Rajasekar
Primary Supervisor: Professor Cynthia Yiu
Abstract Title: The role of Wnt signalling: reparative dentinogenesis and beyond
Ms Yiman Wang
Primary Supervisor: Professor Jiegang Yang
Abstract Title: Hypoxia-Induced OPA1/HRS Lactylation Drives Mitochondrial Protein Packaging into Small Extracellular Vesicles to Promote Metabolic Reprogramming of Macrophages in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Mr Yefeng Wu
Primary Supervisor: Professor Wei Qiao
Abstract Title: Trigeminal nociceptors regulate bone healing via CGRP-imprinted macrophage adaptation
Ms Sze Yee Yan
Primary Supervisor: Professor Wei Qiao
Abstract Title: Incorporation Of Audio Or Text-based Chatbot In Dental Education
Ms Junjing Zhang
Primary Supervisor: Professor Kiho Cho
Abstract Title: Artificial Aging Effects on 3D-Printed Orthodontic Appliance Materials
Merit Presentation Award
Dr Clarence Dayan Cardinal
Primary Supervisor: Professor Kuo Feng Hung
Abstract Title: Evaluation of root canal visibility and traceability at different root levels using various CBCT dose protocols
Ms Liang Chao
Primary Supervisor: Professor Sangjin Lee
Abstract Title: Harnessing Oxidized Alginate Microgels for Rapid and Self-Assembling Tissue Organogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo
Ms Shuwen Hou
Primary Supervisor: Professor Shi Huang
Abstract Title: Monkey Microbiome Across Sites: Model for Investigating Inaccessible Human Niches
Ms Yilin Mao
Primary Supervisor: Professor Wei Qiao
Abstract Title: Stage-Specific Magnesium-Releasing Nanocapsules Promote Cranial Bone Regeneration through Immune-Neural Axis
Ms Xinyi Shi
Primary Supervisor: Professor Ke Deng
Abstract Title: Periodontitis as a Potential Driver of Epigenetic Aging: Insights from a Pilot Study
Mr Zelin Jacky Ye
Primary Supervisor: Professor Katherine Leung
Abstract Title: Mineralizing Properties of Fluoride Varnish Fortified with Strontium-doped Bioactive Glass-ceramic on Dentine