The Australian Periodontology Research Foundation (APRF) was established in 1996 under the auspices of the Australian Society of Periodontology to promote research and the application of research knowledge in the field of Periodontology. 

Periodontal disease, in its various forms, affects nearly all adult Australians and may range from mild bleeding gums to aggressive bone destruction around teeth with associated loss of function and even loss of teeth. Dental implants have also become a significant treatment modality in periodontics.

The aims of the APRF are:

·         To undertake, foster, develop and assist the acquisition, dissemination and application of research knowledge and information concerning the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.

·         To encourage, stimulate and aid research in all branches of periodontal science, especially investigation into the causes and treatment of periodontal disease and to aid clinical periodontal practice.

·         To stimulate public interest in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease and related problems and to assist in keeping the dental profession of Australia abreast of the latest developments in the field of periodontal scientific research and methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.

·         To encourage, assist and arrange for dental researchers to undertake research in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease and to train them in methods of research in the fields of periodontal science.

APRF Postgraduate Student Publication Awards

Each year an award is made to the postgraduate periodontics student who publishes the best paper in either Periodontology or another peer reviewed publication. The winner receives a suitably inscribed plaque which is presented at the nearest major periodontal conference (ASP or ANZAP). Eligible papers will be nominated by program directors at each University.

The Australian Periodontology Research Foundation awards small research grants each year. It is recommended that the research grants should not only target postgraduate student research, but also research in universities and research by dentists in private practice. 

All applicants should be members of the Australian Society of Periodontology.

Preference will be given to projects that have some relevance to clinical periodontal practice. For postgraduate students to be eligible for one of these grants, they must be currently enrolled in a postgraduate periodontics program at a university dental school in Australia.

A recipient of a research grant will be asked to provide a summary of the research (including some illustrations if possible) to the APRF within two months of the completion of the project. The summary should be in a form that would be suitable for inclusion in Periodontology, the journal of the Australian Society of Periodontology.

In the event that a project is found to be unworkable, or if the applicant does not proceed with the project, the APRF must be notified and all unspent funds must be returned. The applicant must approach the APRF Board for permission before applying the funding to any other project. In general, the application of funds to a different project will not be accepted.

RESEARCH GRANTS – 2010

The Australian Periodontology Research Foundation wishes to announce that small research grants will be available for 2009. It is recommended that the research grants should not only target postgraduate student research, but also research in universities and research by dentists in private practice. All applicants should be members of the Australian Society of Periodontology.

Preference will be given to projects that have some relevance to clinical periodontal practice. For postgraduate students to be eligible for one of these grants, the applicant should be currently enrolled in a postgraduate periodontics program at a university dental school in Australia. Ethical review approval is required for clinical projects.

Project Grant amounts up to $3,000 will be considered and assessed by the Foundation’s Research Advisory Committee. Projects already receiving funding from other sources may apply but justification for further funding is required.

Electronic versions of application forms may be obtained below or Catherine.offler@adelaide.edu.au

Applications must be received by Friday, 28 May 2010.