Collaborative Science to Achieve Disruptive Innovations in Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers worldwide from different biomedical science fields worked together to find rapid solutions to an urgent global problem. Using a team science approach unites previously disconnected areas of study to answer challenging scientific questions that can lead to transformative innovations. Team science provides an opportunity to broaden the scope of inquiry based on the background, experience, and expertise of the research team members and impart the unique perspectives they each bring to bear on research questions.

NIDCR’s Response

Recognizing that a team science approach could expand scientists’ ability to pursue challenging problems in dental, oral, and craniofacial science, NIDCR issued the Collaborative Science to Achieve Disruptive Innovations in Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research notice of funding opportunity, or NOFO. The NOFO invited applications focused on interdisciplinary team science that tackles challenging and complex research problems that are of high priority to NIDCR and that would not be achievable by a single investigator or laboratory. Some examples of these research goals include technologies that reduce dental, oral, and craniofacial health disparities and improve health throughout the lifespan, a vaccine to reduce childhood cavities, non-opioid pain relievers, preventatives and treatments for symptoms and cooccurring conditions resulting from HIV infection, and better, longer lasting restorative systems that repair or replace damaged or missing teeth.

NIDCR-Funded Awards

In 2024, NIDCR granted two awards totaling approximately $2.5 million per year for up to five years of support.