Align Technology announced the recipients of its fifteenth Annual Research Award Program, awarding a total of $300,000 in research grants to 12 universities across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The program is designed to support academic research that advances orthodontic and dental science while contributing to future innovations in clinical treatment.
According to the company, the selected projects will explore a variety of topics related to orthodontics and dentistry, including root resorption during tooth movement, aligner treatment protocols, palatal expansion, white spot lesion activity, retention stability, attachment design, and enamel characteristics during aligner therapy.
Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, executive vice president, chief clinical officer, global treatment planning and clinical services at Align Technology, emphasized the importance of research and clinical evidence in driving scientific advancement and innovation. The company said it remains committed to supporting university-led research efforts that can help shape the future of the orthodontic and dental profession.
The 2026 research award recipients include:
- University of Florida, Dr. Isil Aras
- University of Florida, Dr. Sarah Hisham Abu Arqub
- Southern Illinois University, Dr. Feras Al Khatib
- University of Alabama, Dr. Navdeep Bhusri
- Francisco de Vitoria University, Dr. Iván Nieto Sánchez
- Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Dr. Babak Sayahpour
- University of Insubria, Dr. Luca Levrini
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Dr. Andrea Boggio
- Wuhan University, Dr. Sanjie Yeweng
- Sichuan University, Dr. Juan Li
- Taipei Medical University, Dr. Daniel De-Shing Chen
- Shandong University, Dr. Hui Chen
Align said all applications were initially reviewed and prioritized through a blind evaluation process conducted by an independent academic committee, with final award recipients selected by the company.
The funded studies focus on areas such as aligner treatment effectiveness, orthodontic expansion techniques, long-term retention outcomes, attachment biomechanics, and enamel health, reflecting a broad range of scientific inquiries aimed at improving patient care and clinical understanding.
Align Technology is a global medical device company known for the Invisalign clear aligner system, iTero intraoral scanners, and exocad CAD/CAM software. The company serves approximately 299,500 doctor customers worldwide and has supported the treatment of approximately 22.8 million patients through the Invisalign System.
KEY QUOTES:
“Research and clinical evidence continue to be at the core of advancing science, which furthers innovation and clinical treatments. We remain committed to supporting university research worldwide and the meaningful impact it drives in shaping the future of the orthodontic and dental profession.”
Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, Executive Vice President, Chief Clinical Officer, Global Treatment Planning And Clinical Services, Align Technology
“The scope of research supported through this program highlights the important role of scientific inquiry in advancing dentistry. We are proud to support investigators whose work can deepen clinical understanding, inform treatment approaches, and ultimately improve patient care worldwide.”
John Morton, Vice President, Technical Fellow, Align Technology
