• Recognition & Awards
• Expressions Spring 2026

Research Excellence on the Global Stage

Faculty Members and Students Recognised with Prestigious IADR Honours

Professor Jin (third from left) and Professor Chengfei Zhang (right) share the joyful moment with collaborators around the world

The academic excellence of the Faculty was highlighted once again at the 2025 General Session of the International Association for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Research (IADR). This annual global event in dental research and innovation, held from 25 to 28 June of 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, brought together prominent scholars, leading researchers, well-recognized clinicians and young talents from around the world. The Faculty continued to be strongly engaged in this meaningful conference, and made notable contributions via participating in various activities. Our staff and students received multiple prestigious awards and fellowships in recognition of their scientific achievements and pioneering work. In addition, several colleagues were elected to leadership positions within IADR’s scientific groups and networks, further showcasing the Faculty’s global standing and impact for shaping the future direction of dental, oral, and craniofacial research. The Faculty extends its sincere congratulations to all awardees and elected colleagues for their distinguished accomplishments and solid commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving oral healthcare globally.

The Faculty showcased the achievements made, promoted its innovative educational/research programmes, and offered career development opportunities, via setting us a well-attended booth during the meeting. Notably, the Faculty was also honoured to host a sizable Reception at the headquarters hotel of the meeting in Barcelona. Dean Jin warmly welcomed guests from over 110 institutions, including IADR leaders, distinguished scientists, leading researchers and experts, collaborators and proud alumni from around the world, for sharing the happy time. Yet, the event provided a valuable platform for professional exchange, reconnection and networking, and strengthening academic and research partnerships in the international dental community.

The Faculty is grateful for the recognition and support received at the IADR 2025, and for the continued confidence placed in its innovative work by the global community. Building on this momentum, the Faculty continues to enhance international collaborations and foster innovation for the benefits of patients and societies worldwide.

Looking ahead, the Faculty remains highly committed to advancing the frontiers of oral and craniofacial research, nurturing the next generation of dental scientists, and contributing to reshaping future oral healthcare services.

IADR provides a valuable platform for professional exchange

Professor Angeline Lee (left) connects with the guest at the Faculty booth

Professor James Tsoi (right) and his student capture a memorable moment in front of the student’s poster presentation

Professor Edward Lo (centre) and Professor May Wong (second from right) engage with collaborators in IADR

Faculty booth in IADR

IADR Hatton Competition

From left: Professor Waruna Dissanayaka, Ms Cicely Chau, Ms Minji Kwon and Ms Sophie Fong

In parallel with these achievements, our undergraduate student researchers have also attained remarkable success at the regional level. The Faculty congratulates the Undergraduate Student Research Team of HKU Dentistry, led by Professor Waruna Dissanayaka, Assistant Dean (Electives & Experiential Learning), including four BDS VI students - Ms Cicely Chau, Ms Minji Kwon, Ms Sophie Fong and Ms Hannah Ng. The team secured first place in the prestigious IADR Southeast Asian (SEA) Division Hatton Competition (Junior Category) at the IADR-Asia Pacific Regional (APR) Meeting in New Delhi, India, held from 18 to 22 September 2025. This outstanding performance qualifies them to compete against winners from all IADR divisions at the IADR Hatton Competition during the 2026 IADR General Session in San Diego, USA. The Faculty wishes the team every success in the future endeavour.

IADR Reception

The Faculty of Dentistry hosts a Reception in Barcelona to welcome hundreds of guests

Professor Jin delivers welcoming remarks at the Reception

Professor Michael Botelho (centre) enjoys the connection with students and the international dental community

Professor Jin (second from the left) and the Facuty staff share the joyful moment with Professor Satoshi Imazato (centre), the President of the IADR 2024-2025

IADR Scientific Groups & Networks Positions

List of Awards and Fellowships

IADR Cariology Research Group Science Award

Professor Chun Hung Chu

Chair Professor of Family Dentistry

IADR Innovation in Oral Care Awards & Finalist of the 2025 IADR Joseph Lister Award for New Investigators Competition

Professor Ollie Yu

Clinical Assistant Professor in Cariology

IADR STAR Network Fellowship

Professor Yifan Lin

Clinical Assistant Professor in Orthodontics

Finalist of the 2025 IADR Joseph Lister Award for New Investigators Competition

Professor Shi Huang

Assistant Professor in Microbiology

IADR Pediatric Oral Health Research Group Faculty Award

Dr Faith Zheng

Clinical Practitioner

IADR Digital Dentistry Research Network Student Research Award

Zhaoting Ling

PhD student

A finalist for the 2025 IADR Growth and Development Research Award

Zhuoying Li

PhD student

IADR Prosthodontics Research Group – The Neal Garrett Clinical Research Prize

Xuedong Bai

PhD student

IADR Colgate Research in Prevention Travel Award

Shenyan Yang

PhD student

IADR Colgate Research in Prevention Travel Award

Wener Chen

PhD student

IADR Cariology Research Group Student Research Award

Shizhen Zhang

PhD student

IADR GORG Post-Doctoral Award (First Prize)

Xiaowei Zhao

PhD student