Innovation in dentistry often begins in universities and research labs. Now, a major opportunity has opened for dental researchers worldwide.
Align Technology, the company behind Invisalign and the iTero Scanner, has officially announced the 2026 Align Research Award Program, offering significant funding to support orthodontic and dental research across the globe.
This initiative is designed to encourage new scientific discoveries that can improve patient care and advance digital orthodontics.
What is the Align Research Award Program?
The annual program supports university-based research in orthodontics and dentistry, helping academic researchers explore new ideas, technologies, and treatment approaches.
Since its launch in 2010, the program has already funded millions of dollars in dental research, supporting innovation that directly impacts modern clinical practice.
For 2026, Align Technology will provide up to $300,000 in total research funding.
How the Funding is Distributed
The program will award multiple research grants across different global regions.
Key details include:
• Four research awards in each region
• Up to $25,000 per award
• Funding distributed across three major regions:
- Americas
- EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa)
- APAC (Asia-Pacific)
These awards are designed to support one-year research projects focused on advancing orthodontic science.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to university faculty involved in dental or scientific research.
Eligible applicants include:
• Full-time or part-time university faculty
• Researchers working in orthodontics or dental science
• Universities where Invisalign treatment or the iTero scanner is available
Interestingly, first-time applicants will receive priority consideration, encouraging new research groups to participate.
Important Dates to Remember
Researchers interested in applying should take note of the key deadlines:
• Application deadline: March 6, 2026 (5:00 PM Pacific Time)
• Award announcement: June 1, 2026
All proposals will be reviewed by an independent academic committee, which will recommend the final selections.
What Align Says About the Program
According to Mitra Derakhshan, the program continues to inspire groundbreaking ideas in digital orthodontics.
She highlighted that innovative research proposals from universities play an important role in improving treatment outcomes and advancing patient care worldwide.
Similarly, John Morton emphasized that supporting academic research is essential for the continued evolution of modern dentistry.
Why This Matters for the Dental World
Programs like this are more than just research funding—they help shape the future of orthodontics and digital dentistry.
Potential research areas may include:
• Digital orthodontic treatment planning
• Clear aligner biomechanics
• AI and digital dentistry workflows
• Advanced scanning technologies
• Patient-centered orthodontic innovations
Such research eventually translates into better clinical tools, smarter treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
Reference
Orthodontic Products – Align Research Award Program Announcement
https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/industry-news/company-news/2026-align-research-award-program-now-accepting-proposals
