IOF International Orthodontics Foundation - Committees

The IOF Science Committee assumes a crucial role in overseeing the IOF Research Grants Program. Their wealth of expertise and knowledge in the field of orthodontics empowers them to provide valuable suggestions and insights, ensuring the Research Grants Program is structured to support groundbreaking research initiatives.

Throughout the grant application process, the committee meticulously reviews each eligible submission, evaluating the research proposals based on their scientific merit, potential impact, and alignment with the program's objectives.

Dr. Phimon Atsawasuwan
DDS, MS, MS, MSc, PhD

Professor, Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, USA

Dr. Phimon Atsawasuwan is a tenured Professor at the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Illinois Chicago and a Diplomate for the American Board of Orthodontics. He also serves as the Associate Director of Orthodontics Clinical and Translational Sciences Research in the Department of Orthodontics, University of Illinois Chicago.

Dr. Atsawasuwan is a past president of the American Association of Dental Research, Chicago section, and a member of the Angle Society of Orthodontists, Eastern component, and also serves as a member of the academic committee for the Society. He is a dual-trained clinician in Orthodontics and Periodontics. He received a prestigious Thomas M. Graber Award of Special Merit from the American Association of Orthodontists. He has been invited to present his scholarly work and presentation at many domestic and international scientific and orthodontic conferences.

He has been teaching and mentoring undergraduate, dental, and postgraduate students at the University of Illinois Chicago since 2011 and received the “Mentor of the Year award” in 2016. His postgraduate students received a prestigious Milo-Hellman Award, and the Thomas M Graber Awards of Special Merit from the American Association of Orthodontists, the Dr. William R. Proffit Resident Scholar Awards from the American Association of Orthodontists and numerous Research Aid Awards from the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation.

Dr. Atsawasuwan’s research interest emphasizes the biology of tooth movement, craniofacial/bone biology, microRNAs, and advances in orthodontic treatment. His research involves clinical, bench-top molecular biology, and animal research. He received numerous research funds from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation, the University of Illinois Chicago, and many private organizations. He has served as an Ad-hoc Reviewer, R01 and R21 study section for Oral, Dental, and Craniofacial Sciences Study Section, NIH, and Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) site visitor for Postgraduate Orthodontics.

He is a notable author and has published book chapters and an extensive list of research articles and case reports in several peer-reviewed journals. He also serves on the editorial board and as an ad-hoc reviewer for many peer-reviewed scientific and orthodontic journals.

The Founding Committee defines the strategy of IOF. According to the strategy, the committee sets the short-term and long-term objectives for developing different programs and initiatives.

Furthermore, the committee is responsible for allocating funds to the Science Committee and providing senior counsel on medical affairs. Oversight is provided by an independent board, which is also responsible for electing the IOF chairperson and executive directors.

Dr. Phimon Atsawasuwan
DDS, MS, MS, MSc, PhD

Professor, Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, USA

Dr. Phimon Atsawasuwan is a tenured Professor at the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Illinois Chicago and a Diplomate for the American Board of Orthodontics. He also serves as the Associate Director of Orthodontics Clinical and Translational Sciences Research in the Department of Orthodontics, University of Illinois Chicago.

Dr. Atsawasuwan is a past president of the American Association of Dental Research, Chicago section, and a member of the Angle Society of Orthodontists, Eastern component, and also serves as a member of the academic committee for the Society. He is a dual-trained clinician in Orthodontics and Periodontics. He received a prestigious Thomas M. Graber Award of Special Merit from the American Association of Orthodontists. He has been invited to present his scholarly work and presentation at many domestic and international scientific and orthodontic conferences.

He has been teaching and mentoring undergraduate, dental, and postgraduate students at the University of Illinois Chicago since 2011 and received the “Mentor of the Year award” in 2016. His postgraduate students received a prestigious Milo-Hellman Award, and the Thomas M Graber Awards of Special Merit from the American Association of Orthodontists, the Dr. William R. Proffit Resident Scholar Awards from the American Association of Orthodontists and numerous Research Aid Awards from the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation.

Dr. Atsawasuwan’s research interest emphasizes the biology of tooth movement, craniofacial/bone biology, microRNAs, and advances in orthodontic treatment. His research involves clinical, bench-top molecular biology, and animal research. He received numerous research funds from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation, the University of Illinois Chicago, and many private organizations. He has served as an Ad-hoc Reviewer, R01 and R21 study section for Oral, Dental, and Craniofacial Sciences Study Section, NIH, and Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) site visitor for Postgraduate Orthodontics.

He is a notable author and has published book chapters and an extensive list of research articles and case reports in several peer-reviewed journals. He also serves on the editorial board and as an ad-hoc reviewer for many peer-reviewed scientific and orthodontic journals.

The International Orthodontics Foundation (OF) is a not-for-profitorganization co-founded by CareCapital Group and more than 10 leading expertsfrom around the world. As a platform for international collaborative innovation, IOFis dedicated to advancing orthodontic care globally by exploring and promotinginnovative treatment ideas and technologies.

IOF Organization

IOF Board

Define IOF’s overarching strategy and establish key objectives for short to medium term.

Allocate financial resources efficiently to align with IOF’s strategic vision.

Elect the Chairperson, committee members, and the IOF Executive Board members.

IOF Executive Board

Oversee day-to-day operations, providing strategic advice to the Foundation Board.

Ensure open communication with all committees, maintaining dialogue for informed decision-making.

Manage the Operation Office, review regular IOF reports, and enforce governance that aligns with the Foundation's goals.

IOF Science Committee

The IOF Science Committee is integral to advancing the foundation's mission of fostering research and innovation within the field of orthodontics. The committee's specific

responsibilities include:

Overseeing the IOF grants process from announcement to award, ensuring a transparent, equitable, and merit-based system.

Evaluating all applications for IOF Grants and Scholarships with rigor and upholding the highest standards of academic excellence.

Advising on the strategic direction for research initiatives, identifying emerging trends, and setting priorities that align with IOF's long-term objectives.

Facilitating collaborations and partnerships with academic institutions, industry, and other stakeholders to advance orthodontic research.