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.

expert Prof. Yijin Ren image.
Prof. Yijin Ren
DDS, MSc, PhD, MBA
Professor and head of Orthodontics at the University Medical Centre Groningen
Program director for specialist training in orthodontics
Prof. Yijin Ren (DMD, MSc, PhD, MBA) is the head of Orthodontics at the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen. She is also the program director for specialist training in orthodontics.

Prof. Ren maintains an active practice treating patients born with cleft lip and palate, as well as other craniofacial anomalies. She is a consultant orthodontist on the Cleft Lip and Palate Team of Northern Netherlands.

Prof. Ren’s research interests cover (oral) biofilms and biomaterials, tissue reactions during tooth movement, treatment of cleft lip and palate, and 3D imaging and technology. She has published and lectured extensively on her research in these fields.

Prof. Ren has an h-index of 57, with over 12,000 citations. She serves as a board member in several renowned national and international professional organizations and as an editorial member/associate editor for various scientific journals. She is the chairperson of the Orthodontics Consilium in the Netherlands, and President-Elect 2029 of the EOS.

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.

expert Prof. Yijin Ren image.
Prof. Yijin Ren
DDS, MSc, PhD, MBA
Professor and head of Orthodontics at the University Medical Centre Groningen
Program director for specialist training in orthodontics
Prof. Yijin Ren (DMD, MSc, PhD, MBA) is the head of Orthodontics at the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen. She is also the program director for specialist training in orthodontics.

Prof. Ren maintains an active practice treating patients born with cleft lip and palate, as well as other craniofacial anomalies. She is a consultant orthodontist on the Cleft Lip and Palate Team of Northern Netherlands.

Prof. Ren’s research interests cover (oral) biofilms and biomaterials, tissue reactions during tooth movement, treatment of cleft lip and palate, and 3D imaging and technology. She has published and lectured extensively on her research in these fields.

Prof. Ren has an h-index of 57, with over 12,000 citations. She serves as a board member in several renowned national and international professional organizations and as an editorial member/associate editor for various scientific journals. She is the chairperson of the Orthodontics Consilium in the Netherlands, and President-Elect 2029 of the EOS.

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.