King’s researchers were presented with two prestigious awards during the Opening Ceremonies of the 96^th General Session of the IADR, held in conjunction with the IADR Pan European Regional Congress (PER), at the ExCeL London Convention Centre.

Professor Gordon B. Proctor received the 2018 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Salivary Research, one of the 17 IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards, representing one of the highest honours bestowed by the IADR. The IADR Salivary Research Award is designed to stimulate and recognize outstanding and innovative achievements that have contributed to the basic understanding of the salivary gland structure, secretion, and function, or salivary composition and function.

Proctor is a leading salivary researcher with specific expertise in salivary secretion, the interaction of saliva with oral surfaces and the significance of salivary biomarkers.

"It is a pleasure to work with talented colleagues, students and collaborators to answer research questions that impact on health and disease.  Receiving this award from the IADR is marvellous and a great recognition of our endeavours," said Professor Proctor.

Professor Paul Sharpe and co-authors Liu Yang, Ana Angelova Volponi and Yvonne Pang received the William J. Gies Award, for the best paper published in the IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research in the Biomaterials and Bioengineering Research category. Their article “Mesenchymal Cell Community Effect in Whole Tooth Bioengineering”( J Dent Res 96: 186–191) was identified as work which has very significantly advanced knowledge in dental research.

Ana Angelova Volponi says: 'Our research focuses on the underlying mechanisms of repair and regeneration. King’s College London is at the forefront of this field and this award, for the second time, is another recognition for our Centre of Excellence.'