Recognizing Innovative Research: Young Investigator Award at the 69th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Periodontology

Celebrating Excellence in Periodontology Research

The 69th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Periodontology took place recently, shinning a spotlight on emerging talents in the field of oral health. Among the notable highlights of the event was the announcement of the Young Investigator Award (SUNSTAR Award) recipients, an initiative generously sponsored by SUNSTAR Co., Ltd., to honor outstanding research presented by young researchers.

On May 22, 2026, at Shizuoka's Act City Hamamatsu, a special ceremony was held to acknowledge the achievements of two promising researchers. Chihiro Imai from Tokyo University of Science and Ryosuke Fujimori from Hiroshima University were awarded for their research excellence, making significant contributions in their respective studies.

Award Winners

Chihiro Imai, from the Periodontology Division of the Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences at Tokyo University of Science, received the award for her presentation on the impact of maternal ligature-induced periodontitis on the brain development of offspring. Her study examined how disturbances in the oral microbiome due to maternal periodontal disease could potentially influence brain function and gut microbiome in the progeny. Chihiro shared her findings, highlighting reduced social behavior, decreased spontaneous movement, and significant changes in gene expression and DNA methylation within the cerebellum of the offspring.

In her acceptance speech, Imai expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is a great honor to receive the SUNSTAR Young Investigator Award. Our research suggests that maternal oral health may affect the cognitive development and brain functions of future generations, further emphasizing the systemic significance of periodontal disease.” She acknowledged her supervisors, Professors Takaki Iwata and Sayaka Katagiri, for their invaluable guidance throughout her research journey.

Ryosuke Fujimori, also honored for his research on the exacerbation of periodontitis by Porphyromonas gingivalis infections, presented his findings at the same ceremony. His study revealed the detrimental role of a virulence factor called gingipain, detailing how it exacerbates periodontitis by increasing inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and promoting osteoclast differentiation. Remarkably, his research also established the efficacy of an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody in mitigating the progression of periodontal disease.

“Receiving the SUNSTAR Young Investigator Award is a significant acknowledgment for me. Our findings deepen the understanding of the mechanisms behind Pg-induced exacerbation of periodontitis and advocate for proactive periodontal interventions in patients receiving IL-6 receptor antibody treatments,” claimed Fujimori, expressing his sincere thanks to his mentors, Professor Tomohito Mizuno and Lecturer Kazuhisa Oogata, along with all supporting faculty.

Commitment to Future Research

The Young Investigator Award was initiated in 2015 to shine a light on the remarkable efforts of young researchers in the field of periodontology. Now celebrating its 11th award edition, SUNSTAR continues its commitment towards supporting young researchers, highlighting the importance of scientific advancements in understanding and treating periodontal diseases.

In addition to recognizing young talents, SUNSTAR also backs the association's other accolades that honor long-standing research contributions, educational efforts, and clinical achievements that have significantly advanced the field of periodontology.

As we celebrate these achievements, it is clear that the future of periodontal research is bright, filled with innovative ideas and passionate researchers eager to make a difference in oral health science.

Further Information

For more details about the awards and recipient announcements from the Japanese Society of Periodontology, please refer to their official website and explore their comitment to supporting research in this crucial field: Japanese Society of Periodontology - Awards.

About SUNSTAR Group

SUNSTAR Group is a global entity that oversees a wide array of consumer products and services, including oral care, health foods, and cosmetics through its parent company, SUNSTAR SA in Switzerland. In addition, it manages industrial solutions such as adhesives and metal processing components worldwide. SUNSTAR aims to promote overall health beginning from oral wellness, encouraging people to strive for healthier lives as we navigate the complexities of the 100-year era. Ultimately, SUNSTAR emphasizes the importance of oral care in upholding systemic health, fostering longer, healthier lives for every individual.