PRIZE. Jan Lindhe, professor emeritus of periodontology, has received yet another award for his research work. Recently he was presented the Brånemark Osseointegration Award at an award ceremony held by the statue of the father of titanium implants, Per-Ingvar Brånemark, in the Academicum lobby.
“I am especially proud to accept this award because Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark was one of my first and most important teachers of biomedical research,” says Jan Lindhe.
The Academy of Osseointegration Foundation presents the Brånemark Osseointegration Award annually through funding by the Nobel Biocare implants company. The award recognizes individuals who have contributed to improved knowledge regarding oral rehabilitation through research, education or charity.
Met Brånemark in 1965
Lindhe, an international research figure at the University of Gothenburg, is world famous for groundbreaking research on how periodontal diseases can be prevented and treated.
“I first met Per-Ingvar Brånemark in 1965, when I was invited to work in his laboratory on problems related to the healing of wounds due of elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone. We published several studies in this research domain, which later contributed to my qualification as a professor at the University of Gothenburg. In other words, my early collaboration with Per-Ingvar Brånemark was decisive for my future professional life,” says Lindhe.
Jan Lindhe received his doctorate at Lund University and was appointed a professor in Umeå before becoming a professor at the age of 34 in the newly established Faculty of Odontology in Gothenburg in 1969. Eight years later he became dean of the faculty. Since then he has always been affiliated with the University of Gothenburg except for five years when he served as Dean of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.
Innovative studies
The award was presented by Georgios Romanos, chair of the Academy of Osseointegration Foundation, who noted that Jan Lindhe is a legend and an authority on odontological research.
“His critical and innovative studies became milestones in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. His publications, which are heavily cited, have created fundamental knowledge in areas such as the pathogenesis of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, mechanisms of periodontal wound healing and biofilm formation on oral implants,” says Romanos. “There is no doubt that Professor Jan Lindhe deserves this prestigious award, and we are proud to honor him this year for his excellence, innovation and vision.”
TEXT: ELIN LINDSTRÖM CLAESSEN
