GRANTS & AWARDS
World Perio Research Awards
Recognizing research on the relationship between periodontal disease and systemic health
The Sunstar World Perio Research Awards recognize outstanding research on the connection between periodontal disease and systemic health. Organized in collaboration with four leading periodontal research journals, this award highlights important contributions to the field and supports advancements in oral and systemic health research.
Since its inception in 2003, the World Perio Research Award has recognized groundbreaking research that has transformed our understanding of how periodontal disease affects overall health. Past winners have uncovered crucial connections between gum disease and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
These studies continue to shape clinical practices and contribute to the global effort to better understand the complex relationship between oral health and systemic conditions.
How does the World Perio Research Awards Work?
Who can participate?
All researchers and clinicians that published a research paper on the link between oral health and general health in one of the four participating journals (the Journal of Periodontal Research, the Journal of Periodontology, the Journal of Clinical Periodontology and the Journal of Dental Research) are eligible.
How to participate
Each journal will select five outstanding papers published and forward them to the Screening Committee.
Voting Process
The Screening Committee will evaluate the papers that have been selected by the editors of four journals and the editors emeriti, and then select the first-place winner and two runners-up
Award & Recognition
The first-place winner will receive USD 10,000 and each of the two runners-up will receive USD 5,000. The first-place winner and two runners-up will also each receive a commemorative trophy
A trophy as meaningful as the award itself
When the first Sunstar Foundation award was presented in 2003, Chairman Hiroo Kaneda, envisioned a trophy as meaningful as the award itself. Mr. Kaneda commissioned Italian architect, Mario Bellini to materialize this vision. Bellini's artistic contributions include Olivetti's typewriter and calculators, now found at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
At the base of the trophy, is the following inscription in Italian: "Nell'albero infinito della ricerca scientifica è racchiuso il mistero dell'evoluzione dell'umanità” ("The mystery of human evolution is enclosed within the infinite tree of scientific research"). When viewed from the front, the trophy is shaped like the symbol for infinity and infers a quantity without bound or end. The "S" shape of the symbol is also meant to embody science and the Sunstar company, a fitting tribute to the award recipients.
Selection Committee on the Award
FAQs
What is the theme of the award?
The theme of the award is the "Relationship between Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health." Entries should include both quantitative and qualitative analyses that provide significant new insights into dental hygiene. The winning entry in this category is chosen by the Selection Committee from original research papers.
Who is responsible for the selection process?
The award is sponsored by the Sunstar Foundation, which reserves the right to amend eligibility criteria and the mode of announcement of winners. However, the Sunstar Foundation does not participate in the award screening or selection process. The Independent Selection Committee has the sole authority to evaluate and determine the winners.
Personal factors such as gender, age, nationality, race, and religion will not influence the selection process.
What type of research is ineligible for the award?
Research papers on basic science in periodontal disease including laboratory studies, epidemiology and pure technology innovation may be accepted. However, research on commercially available products or on product concepts nearing launch will not be accepted for these awards. Further, no clinical trials of product testing are eligible. Individuals working for a commercial company and past award recipients are not eligible for the awards.
What are the award prizes?
First-place winner: USD 10,000 and a commemorative trophy.
Two runners-up: USD 5,000 each and a commemorative trophy.
Sunstar Foundation will cover travel expenses to EuroPerio 11 in Vienna (May 14-17, 2025) for one individual per award. Travel arrangements require prior budgetary approval from the Sunstar Foundation.