Winners of the 2025 EFP Postgraduate Prize announced

The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) has revealed the recipients of the 2025 Postgraduate Research Prize, recognizing outstanding scientific contributions from students enrolled in EFP-accredited postgraduate programmes in periodontology.

This annual award underlines the importance of research as a cornerstone of postgraduate education, showcasing high-quality work that advances both fundamental understanding and clinical practice in periodontology.

Advancing preclinical innovation

In the preclinical/basic research category, the first prize was awarded to Kiri N. Lang and colleagues from the University of Bern (Switzerland) for their study Bi-Layered Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Bone Substitute to Improve Bone Formation in Lateral Jaw Defects Applying the Principle of Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR), published in Clinical Oral Implants Research.

This preclinical randomized controlled study explored a novel bone substitute designed to enhance bone regeneration in challenging lateral jaw defects. By applying the principles of guided bone regeneration, the research offers promising insights into improving regenerative outcomes in implant dentistry.

The second prize went to Andrea Alonso Español and co-authors from the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain) for their in vitro study Antimicrobial Effect and Cytocompatibility After Using Different Decontamination Methods on Titanium Implant Surfaces, also published in Clinical Oral Implants Research.

Focusing on peri-implant disease management, this research evaluated how different decontamination approaches affect both microbial control and the compatibility of implant surfaces with surrounding tissues, contributing valuable evidence for clinical decision-making.

Strengthening clinical evidence

In the clinical research category, the first prize was awarded to Lenz Surdiacourt and colleagues from Ghent University (Belgium) for their study A multi-centre randomized controlled trial comparing connective tissue graft with collagen matrix to increase soft tissue thickness at the buccal aspect of single implants: 3-year results, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

This multicentre trial provides robust long-term data comparing two approaches to soft tissue augmentation around implants, offering clinically relevant insights into treatment effectiveness and patient care.

The second prize was awarded to Rocío Bujaldón and co-authors from the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain) for their randomized clinical trial Use of the Probiotic Limomsilactobacillus reuteri as an Adjunct to Subgingival Instrumentation in the Treatment of Periodontitis Patients with Diabetes, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

Addressing the intersection between systemic health and periodontal therapy, the study evaluates the adjunctive use of probiotics in patients with diabetes, highlighting a potential strategy to enhance treatment outcomes in this high-risk group.

Encouraging excellence in postgraduate research

Open to students and recent graduates of EFP-accredited programmes, the competition recognizes original research published in peer-reviewed international journals. Eligible studies must have been conducted during postgraduate training or within three years of graduation, with candidates listed as first or second authors.

A distinguished jury chaired by Professor James Deschner (chair of the EFP scientific affairs committee), including Professor Nikolaos Donos (EFP education committee chair), Dr Balint Molnar and Dr Ioannis Polyzois reviewed the submissions. They evaluated the scientific quality, originality, and clinical relevance of each work.

Prize winners receive monetary awards along with a certificate of recognition from the EFP. Professor Deschner noted: “Supporting young professionals is central to the EFP’s mission. By recognizing their work and providing platforms to showcase their research, we aim to accompany the next generation of periodontists as they develop their careers and contribute to advancing patient care.”

More about the 2025 awardees