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The IADR Missions: Promoting Dental Research

University of Dublin, Trinity College, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; jclarkson{at}dental.tcd.ie

KEY WORDS: IADR • missions • research • promotion • workforce

I would like to commence by expressing my deep appreciation to the members of IADR for electing me as President of the Association. It is a great honor for me to hold this position. As many of you may know, I served as Executive Director of IADR/AADR for about eight years, and it is really wonderful to be able to continue my association with IADR as an Officer and President.

What I would like to do in these few minutes is to look at the missions of IADR. I do not intend going through all of the activities carried out by IADR to fulfill these missions. Instead, I will highlight some current activities and outline a few key issues and opportunities which, in my opinion, need to be addressed.

The three current missions of IADR will be discussed.

MISSION ONE: To advance research and increase knowledge for the improvement of oral health worldwide.

One of the major activities in this area has been the initiation of the Regional Development Program. The IADR has allocated $40,000 plus 10% of the General Session surplus annually to this program. The RDP was started in 1998, and since then, $220,000 has been allocated to promote research in developing countries throughout the world. The feedback we have received from Divisions and those benefiting has been very positive, and we plan to continue this exciting program.

In addition to these activities, the current basis for funding the many IADR fellowships has been strengthened by the creation of endowment funds for existing and new fellowships/awards, which will ensure their future.

Our relationship with other international associations needs to be developed. I am pleased to say that discussions are planned with the FDI to identify methods to stimulate research in clinical areas, and to ensure the rapid transfer of this information, which is of importance to the public and the dental profession.

MISSION TWO: To support and represent the Oral Research Community.

The current structure of IADR is changing, to take into account the establishment of Federations of Divisions in Europe and Southeast Asia. In addition, the Board will carry out a fundamental review of its overall structures to allow for representation by scientific Groups, industry, and other relevant sectors of the Association.

Communication is obviously vital in any international organization, and I am pleased to say that the IADR has excellent IT and communications systems and will continue to develop these. This is the first year that abstract submissions for the meeting were accepted online. It is interesting to note that, of the 4342 abstracts submitted, 4100 came electronically, and only 250 by mail. That is, 94% of submissions were online. So, our members are availing themselves of this service, which will provide a more flexible and efficient abstract management system.

MISSION THREE: To facilitate the communication and application of research fundings.

IADR, through its meetings at international and Division levels, and through its publications, continues to provide a high level of service in communicating research findings. The restructuring of the annual General Session to allow for a non-US meeting every two years instead of three years will commence in 2005. This will mean that the meeting will take place more frequently in different parts of the world. This should allow for greater involvement worldwide and greater input by members in different regions.

All of our journals, including the JDR, are now available online, which again will help in the rapid dissemination of science, and allow members to use the links available on this system.

ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED

I have two issues of concern in relation to IADR's role in fulfilling its missions. The first relates to research promotion and support for research. The AADR has a long tradition of promoting research and in particular support for NIDCR and its budget. Over the past few months, I have contacted each of the Divisions of IADR to obtain information on programs they have to promote research. There are some excellent programs to support young researchers with awards, fellowships, etc. However, it appears that Divisions of IADR have very little involvement in the "politics" of promoting research. With the formation of Federations, I consider it vital that the Federations and also Divisions initiate plans to be pro-active in promoting research in their regions, including ensuring funding/resources for research and developing strategies to influence public policy for research, e.g., the Pan European Federation should develop structures to work with the EU.

The second issue of concern relates to the research workforce. We all are aware that there is now a major problem in attracting and retaining staff in academic/research posts. IADR and its Divisions must work with educational associations and other institutions to ensure that appropriate career structures and funding are in place in our universities to attract the best to oral health research.

As members of IADR, we also have a responsibility to encourage research activity when working with undergraduate and post-graduate students. Most of us in IADR will always remember the staff member who introduced us to research and was our mentor during our young days. Let's ensure that this continues.

It is also my view that IADR should be more pro-active in providing funding for fellowships to support our young researchers. In this context, I will be asking our Board to consider funding several year-long fellowships for competitors in the Hatton Competition.

I hope that this very brief overview of some IADR activities has provided you with some food for thought. Please continue to provide us with your views through your Divisions, Groups, and the Central Office.

I can assure you that the IADR Officers and Board are working actively to ensure that IADR addresses the issues of importance to you, our members.

I look forward to working with you in the coming year.

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