Align Technology has opened its 2026 Annual Research Award Program, offering up to $300,000 to support university-based orthodontic and dental research.
Align Technology Inc has announced the launch of its 2026 Annual Research Award Program, offering up to $300,000 in funding to university faculty engaged in orthodontic and dental research. The program is open to universities globally and aims to support scientific and clinical research that advances patient care. Since its inception in 2010, the program has awarded approximately $3.96 million in research funding.
Global Distribution of Awards
The 2026 program will provide four 1-year awards of up to $25,000 each in three global regions: the Americas (including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America), EMEA, and APAC. Eligible applicants include full-time and part-time faculty involved in dental or scientific research at universities where Invisalign treatment or the iTero scanner is available.
Selection and Application Process
An independent academic committee will review all applications and make recommendations to Align Technology for final award selection. Priority consideration will be given to first-time applicants from university programs.
Research proposals and completed applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on March 6, 2026. Award recipients will be notified by June 1, 2026.
Company Statements
“Each year, we’re inspired by the innovative research proposals submitted by university faculty around the world to advance digital orthodontics and dentistry through science-backed innovation that improves patient care,” said Dr Mitra Derakhshan, Align executive vice president, chief clinical officer, global treatment planning and clinical services.
“We believe that empowering the academic community through this funding program is essential to advance knowledge that will drive progress in dentistry to help more doctors achieve better clinical outcomes for their patients. Through this program, we continue to support the vision and research efforts of the expert faculty members around the globe,” said John Morton, Align vice president, product innovation and technical fellow.
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