A Saudi researcher wins the award for best dental research in Japan 2025
In a remarkable scientific achievement reflecting the progress of scientific research in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudi researcher Faisal Al-Ghamdi, a scholarship recipient from King Abdulaziz University, won the “Best Research in the Graduate Student Category” award at the 25th Annual Conference of the Japanese Association for Dental Sciences (JADS 2025), held in Yokohama, Japan. Al-Ghamdi’s research was selected as the best among 250 competing papers from various prestigious international universities and research centers.
Al-Ghamdi, a doctoral student at the Tokyo Institute of Science (formerly Tokyo Medical and Dental University), won the award for his innovative research in the field of root canal treatment. His research focused on exploring the potential of using metformin, a drug widely used to treat type 2 diabetes, to reduce jawbone erosion and accelerate the healing of lesions and inflammation around tooth roots. Preliminary results revealed the drug's ability to modulate the body's immune response and inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, opening up promising therapeutic possibilities.
General context and importance of achievement
This achievement comes within the framework of the significant support that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides to education and scientific research as part of its Vision 2030 objectives, which aim to build a knowledge-based economy and encourage national talent to innovate and excel on the international stage. The Saudi Scholarship Program is a cornerstone in achieving these goals, enabling Saudi students to study at the world's most prestigious universities and acquire advanced expertise and knowledge. The fact that a Saudi researcher has won a prestigious award in Japan, a world leader in technology and medical research, underscores the quality of Saudi educational outcomes and the ability of Saudi researchers to compete globally.
Expected impact of research on dentistry
The scientific value of this research lies in its introduction of a novel therapeutic approach that transcends traditional methods primarily focused on combating bacteria. By controlling the body's inflammatory response, the research paves the way for the development of supportive topical treatments that can be directly applied in dental clinics during root canal treatment or the management of dental abscesses. This approach may significantly improve treatment outcomes in the future, increase the success rate of preserving natural teeth, and reduce the need for complex surgical interventions or tooth extractions. The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Japan celebrated this achievement, with Ambassador Dr. Ghazi Binzagr receiving the scholarship recipient, Al-Ghamdi, to congratulate him and emphasizing the leadership's support for creative and innovative Saudi citizens abroad.
