October 20, 2025 - News
The Eklund Foundation for Odontological Research and Education is pleased to announce the three projects receiving this year’s funding.
The Eklund Foundation supports dentistry related research projects for the 10th consecutive year. The three selected projects, which are to be conducted at three different universities, will together receive funding amounting to approximately €242,000.
Joel Eklund, Chairman of the Board, Eklund Foundation, says, “We are happy to announce the foundation’s support of three highly relevant, multidisciplinary studies that all have the potential to make a difference internationally.
The research groups receiving support represent different disciplines within dentistry and medicine, and they have been selected among a large number of applications submitted from all over the world.”
The Eklund family, owners of TePe Oral Hygiene products, established the Eklund Foundation to celebrate their long-standing relationship with the dental profession community. Since 2016, the foundation has distributed up to €275,000 annually, supporting dental research worldwide. More information on previous grant recipients and their studies can be found at www.eklundfoundation.org. The next application period starts in the spring of 2026.
The Eklund Foundation has decided to award grants to the following projects:
Vitamin D signaling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis
Main applicant: Emily Lu, Lecturer and Consultant in Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Kings College London/Guy’s Hospital
Co-applicants: Luigi Nibali, Professor/Consultant in Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Kings College London; Magdalena Flak, Lecturer in Mucosal Immunology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Kings College London; Jing Kang, Senior Lecturer in Medical Statistics, Oral Clinical Research Unit Centre of Clinical Translational Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Guy’s, King’s College London; Frances Humby, Consultant Rheumatologist, Department of Rheumatology, Guy’s Hospital
Funding: € 60 798
Reasoning: “Periodontitis affects nearly half of adults, and rheumatoid arthritis up to 1% globally. The study aims to improve patient outcomes by identifying rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis patients at high risk of vitamin D deficiency and by investigating the link between low Vitamin D receptor signaling and disease activity, laying the groundwork for future studies on vitamin D supplementation. The project is multidisciplinary, bridging dentistry and medicine, and the topic is globally relevant and has the potential for significant impact.”
PETAL: Effect of Periodontal Treatment on Alzheimer Disease-Associated Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Main applicant: Leila Sahli, PhD, Head of clinic, Department of Periodontology, Oral and Implant Surgery, Liége-Sart Tilman University Hospital (University of Liége)
Co-applicants: Supervisor: France Lambert, Professor and Head of Department of Periodontology, Oral and Implant Surgery, Liége-Sart Tilman University Hospital (University of Liége); Christine Bastin, PhD, Senior Research Associate, University of Liége; Alpdogan Kantarci, PhD, Professor, University of Minnesota; Adelin Albert, PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Liége; Dorien Van Hede, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Liége; Evangelos Papathanasiou, PhD, Associate Professor, Tufts University
Funding: €121 900
Reasoning: “Alzheimer’s disease affects over 50 million people globally, with limited access to effective treatments. At the same time, gum disease (periodontitis) is a common and treatable condition. This project investigates whether treating periodontitis can slow cognitive decline and reduce neuroinflammation in people with Alzheimer’s. The study addresses the field between dentistry and medicine. If the outcome is positive, the project is expected to have good potential to make a difference both nationally and internationally.
Maternal Oral Microbiome Investigation (MOMI): A Multiomic Study of Periodontal Health, Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy, and Human Salivary Proteins
Main applicant: Sterling Wright, PhD, Postdoctoral Scholar, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University
Co-applicant: Corrie Whisner, PhD, Associate Professor, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University
Funding: € 59 484
Reasoning: This project investigates saliva and dental plaque biomarkers to enable early detection of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Research suggests that oral bacteria may influence blood pressure and cardiovascular health. By analyzing the microbiome and proteome during pregnancy, new dental screening methods may be developed that could enhance prenatal risk assessment. Long-term, this may enable personalized care—like dietary advice, probiotics, or periodontal treatment—to reduce HDP risk. The project bridges dentistry, medicine, and research, emphasizing oral health’s role in preventive care.
For more information, please contact: Maria Swartling-Jung, Communications Manager, +46 40 670 11 00, maria.jung@tepe.com