About the Osteology Foundation

Linking science with practice in oraltissue regeneration

Oral tissue regeneration plays a major role in

both periodontology and oral and maxillofa-

cial surgery. In the last years there has been

intensive research on this subject and scien-

tific studies revealed a lot of information

about the basic biological principles that

guide hard and soft tissue regeneration in the

oral and maxillofacial area. Moreover, these

studies lead to new treatment options and

improved therapeutic concepts. Nevertheless,

the important challenge remains to link aca-

demic knowledge and everyday practice.

Bridging gaps

The Osteology Foundation was established in

2003 in order to bridge the gaps both between

scientific progress and clinical practice and

between academic and industrial research.

The Foundation promotes research and edu-

cation in the field of tissue regeneration in

the oral and maxillofacial area.

The Osteology Foundation Board with

internationally renowned experts in the fields

of oral tissue regeneration guides all projects

and activities. In addition, the members of

the Osteology Expert Council appointed by

the Foundation Board contribute to different

projects.

Promoting research: 34 researchprojects funded

The Osteology Foundation encourages

applied and translational research into new

developments and treatment concepts. There-

fore, it provides financial support for scien-

tific projects in the field of hard and soft

tissue regeneration. Grants can be any

amount up to 100,000 Swiss Franks (CHF).

Applications are accepted all year round and

are reviewed by the Science Committee of

the Osteology Foundation twice a year. The

application procedure comprises two steps:

first a short application (extended abstract

application) and second, after approval by the

Scientific Committee, a main application

(complete project documentation). Since

2004, Osteology has funded 34 research pro-

jects from 12 countries, which have so far led

to 14 peer-reviewed publications.

Enhancing knowledge andexpertise: National andInternational Symposia

The Osteology Symposia have gained a repu-

tation as a congress series, covering all rele-

vant aspects of oral tissue regeneration

essential to continuing education. High-level

science, first-class speakers, extensive prac-

tice-oriented training in the form of hands-on

workshops and out of the ordinary locations

brand these symposia.

National Symposia

The many National Osteology Symposia

throughout the world offer platforms for

learning and understanding how to apply

state-of-the-art treatment methods. In 2012,

there will be eight National Symposia – in

Switzerland (Zurich, January 20–21), Ger-

many (Bonn, March 24), Poland (Warsaw,

April 13–14), Italy (Rimini, April 19–21), USA

(Philadelphia, June 14), China (Xi’an, Septem-

ber 12–13), UK (London, October 26) and

Brazil (Sao Paulo, November 8–9).

International Symposia

The International Osteology Symposium is

the only large international symposium that

focuses on hard and soft tissue regeneration

in the oral and maxillofacial area. The next

International Symposium will take place in

Monaco on May 2–4, 2013.

Improving research quality: theOsteology Research Academy

The Osteology Research Academy aims to

improve knowledge, capabilities and scien-

To cite this article:Clin. Oral. Impl. Res. 23(Suppl. 5), 2012, 83–84doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011.02405.x

© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S 83

tific methodology of young researchers. Up to

30 participants can join the practical 5-day

course that deals with planning and conduct-

ing research projects in regenerative den-

tistry. Systematic approaches to designing

research protocols for preclinical and clinical

projects, analysis of research data and strate-

gies for successful publication and funding

are main topics of the course. Young

researchers get a comprehensive overview

and more experienced participants achieve a

better understanding and have the chance to

address open questions.

Promoting networking andexchange: annual Expert Meeting

The Osteology Expert Meetings aim to bring

together the dental specialists of the Osteol-

ogy community with external scientists and

clinicians from various fields (e.g. dermatol-

ogy, plastic surgery, orthopedics). By stimu-

lating the interdisciplinary discussion, Expert

Meetings enable the transfer of knowledge

and the development of new concepts. Since

2006, various topics have been discussed,

including wound healing, the role of growth

factors in regeneration, bone regeneration in

comprised situations and modern education

technology. In 2011, the participants

reviewed the literature on two subjects and

formulated statements for treatment of

extraction sockets and for optimal timing of

implant placement after tooth extraction.

The results are published in this COIR sup-

plement.

Giving advice: Research Guidelines

The best results in clinical medicine are

achieved by performing treatments based on

sound scientific and clinical evidence. The

first book published on behalf of the

Osteology Foundation was titled “Osteology

Guidelines for Oral and Maxillofacial

Regeneration– Preclinical Models for Trans-

lational Research.” It aims to improve

knowledge and skills of researchers con-

ducting translational research in oral tissue

regeneration. The book includes ethical and

regulatory issues as well as recommenda-

tions for study design and statistical analy-

sis. It thus provides effective research

strategies and efficient tools for conducting

high-impact, practice-oriented, preclinical

research.

Further information about the Osteology

Foundation is available at:

Osteology Foundation

Landenbergstrasse 35

CH-6002 Lucerne

Switzerland

Phone +41 41 368 44 44

Fax +41 41 492 67 39

info@osteology.org

www.osteology.org

Osteology Foundation Board

Christoph Hammerle, Zurich (Switzerland),President

Maurıcio G. Araujo, Maringa (Brazil)Daniel Buser, Berne (Switzerland)William V. Giannobile, Ann Arbor (USA)Niklaus P. Lang, Hong Kong (SAR, China)Friedrich W. Neukam, Erlangen(Germany)

Myron Nevins, Boston (USA)Mariano Sanz, Madrid (Spain)Massimo Simion, Milan (Italy)Wilfried Wagner, Mainz (Germany)Georg Watzek, Vienna (Austria)Paul Note, Representative of the Donors,Wolhusen (Switzerland)

84 | Clin. Oral. Impl. Res. 23(Suppl. 5), 2012/83–84 © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S