Eklund Foundation Announces 2018 Grant Recipients

October 3, 2018 - News,Press release

The Eklund Foundation for Odontological Research and Education is pleased to announce the projects receiving this year’s grants of EUR 150,000.

In 2018, the foundation has chosen to support two high-level scientific projects, conducted by prominent researchers within periodontology.

“We proudly contribute to these two ambitious and well-designed studies on the cutting edge of periodontology, which is a research area of special priority to us. Both projects have the potential to bring deeper insight into a disease which afflicts millions around the world”, said Joel Eklund, Chairman of the Board, Eklund Foundation.

The Eklund Foundation was created through a donation from the Eklund family, owners of TePe Oral Hygiene Products, in celebration of their long-standing relationship with the professional dental community.

The foundation now distributes grants for the third year running, with the pronounced aim to support research and education within the dental field.

The Eklund Foundation has decided to award grants to the following projects:

Periodontitis, Peri-implantitis and Diabetes – a registry study
Applicant: Jan Derks, Department of Periodontology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Co-applicant: Tord Berglundh, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Funding: SEK 930,000

“The scientific support for a connection between periodontal disease and several systemic diseases is growing stronger. This broadly-based registry study can contribute to valuable knowledge in examining the potential bi-directional relationship between periodontal/peri-implant diseases and diabetes.”

Exosome Diagnostics: New Tools in Personalized Periodontal Care
Applicant: Evangelos Papathanasiou, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, USA
Co-applicant: Andrew Hoffman, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, USA
Funding: EUR 58,050

“Exosome diagnostics, which investigate the genetic prerequisites for disease, is a growing medical research field. This project will evaluate the possibilities of using exosome diagnostics in periodontal care, which would aid in diagnosis and facilitate the assessment of prognosis and treatment approach.”