The Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and The University of Manchester (UoM) Collaborative Awards its First Pilot Grant

The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) and The University of Manchester (UofM) Collaborative has awarded a pilot grant to Dr. Russell Giordano and Dr. Nikolaos Silikas for their project proposal, Novel Polymer Infiltrated Ceramics. Dr. Giordano is Associate Professor and Director of Biomaterials in the Department of Restorative Sciences & Biomaterials at GSDM and Associate Professor in Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering. Dr. Silikas is Postgraduate Research Director for the School of Medical Sciences and the Director of Graduate Education for the Division of Dentistry at UofM.

The selected project, Novel Polymer Infiltrated Ceramics, will explore novel formulations of interpenetrating phase ceramic matrix composites. These materials are based on combining two interlocking phases, a porous sintered ceramic and an infiltrating polymer. There are substantial potential commercial applications, as products such as Enamic have an established place in the dental market and demand exists for additional options. Additionally, this project will strengthen the research collaboration between UofM and GSDM, including exchange visits of PhD students.

The Collaborative pilot grant program solicited project proposals for innovative research in any relevant area of science. Designed to galvanize research collaborations between the two dental schools, each application was required to include at least one investigator from each institution. Applications were reviewed by the BU GSDM and UofM steering committee and faculty with relevant expertise. Applications were reviewed according to several criteria, including the potential to stimulate team science between GSDM and UofM, the level of innovation, the significance of the work, potential for scientific impact, scientific rigor, and the likelihood that it will lead to subsequent external funding. The pilot grant program was spearheaded by Dr. Belinda Borrelli (GSDM) and Dr. Ann Marie Glenny (UofM), who also chair the Collaborative.

The Collaborative between GSDM and UofM [ http://www.mimit.org.uk/gsdm-uom-collaborative] was formalized in November 2016 [/dental/2016/12/06/gsdm-and-university-of-manchester-collaboration-official]. In addition to supporting student exchanges and joint research efforts, the Collaborative provides researchers with wider access to grants and resources.