FROM VIENNA TO HARVARD

In 2022, our colleague Dr. Balazs Feher received the well-known Research Scholarship by the Osteology Foundation in Lucerne, Switzerland. The Scholarship is awarded to four researchers in the field of oral medicine annually. With the Scholarship, Dr. Feher could undertake a one-year research placement at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA, USA. There, he joined the lab of Dean William V. Giannobile. At the end of the Scholarship, the Osteology Foundation published an interview with our colleague.

(The interview has been slightly edited for clarity.)

Osteology Foundation: What made you apply for this particular scholarship centre?

Dr. Balazs Feher: The groundbreaking and multi-faceted work of Dean Giannobile’s lab stood out, reflecting innovative leadership, and aligning with my research interests. The opportunity to engage in transformative research within such a dynamic environment greatly appealed to me. And Harvard’s commitment to excellence perfectly complemented my goals.

OF: Can you tell us about the projects you were involved in?

BF: I aspired to cultivate a deeper understanding of advanced machine learning techniques and their applications in dental research. During my time, I had the opportunity to work on several projects related to this. These included investigating whether clinical parameters such as probing depth can be estimated from radiographs alone and developing a tool to automatically diagnose peri-implant inflammation from ultrasound image data.

I also worked on a project assessing the effect of abaloparatide on alveolar ridge healing post-extraction, dental implant osseointegration and peri-implant bone regeneration.

OF: What kind of support did you receive during your time at Harvard?

BF: I received exceptional mentoring at Harvard. The collaborative and inclusive social environment encouraged vibrant discussions and facilitated cross-disciplinary insights. Esteemed professors, peers, and visiting experts from around the world provided invaluable guidance, fueling both my academic and personal growth.

OF: To what extent have your expectations been met?

BF: My expectations have been exceeded in numerous ways during this scholarship year. The academic autonomy I’ve been granted has empowered me to explore areas of personal interest. The collaborative atmosphere between the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Harvard Medical School has enabled engaging discussions with faculty members as well as interdisciplinary collaboration. This environment provided an inspiring platform for academic growth and meaningful connections.

OF: Why would you encourage participants worldwide to apply for this opportunity?

BF: The Osteology Research Scholarship offers a transformative experience that combines academic excellence, diverse perspectives, and invaluable networking. Being a part of the Osteology community not only opens doors to lasting friendships but also encourages international collaborations. I understand that going abroad for a year is a challenge, but this opportunity enriches your life in ways you may have never imagined.