HKU Dentistry
HKU Faculty of Dentistry

Annual Scientific Meeting

Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Welcome to the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Faculty of Dentistry. The Annual Scientific Meeting provides a forum for students and staff to showcase their recent works. This event is a significant highlight in our academic calendar which brings together esteemed colleagues, researchers, and talented students to share their latest advancements and innovations in dentistry and oral healthcare.

This year’s meeting features a keynote presentation by Professor Nicholas Jakubovics, Professor of Oral Microbiology at Newcastle University, and Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Dental Research, a series of engaging Lunch and Learn sessions, and an array of over 60 oral presentations by our Faculty staff and students. I hope that you take advantage of the opportunity to make new friends, exchange ideas, and discuss potential collaborations to further our vision. I look forward to seeing you at the Meeting.

Professor Lijian Jin

Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry
Modern Dental Group Professor in Clinical Dental Science
Chair Professor of Periodontology
Clinical Professor in Periodontology

Professor Lijian Jin
Professor Nicholas Jakubovics

Keynote Presentation

Professor Nicholas Jakubovics

Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Dental Research
Professor of Oral Microbiology
School of Dental Sciences
Faculty of Medical Sciences
Newcastle University, United Kingdom

Title
The Shape of Dental Research in 2026: An Editor’s Perspective
Abstract

Dentistry is an evidence-based profession, built on the foundations of scientific enquiry. As tools for research improve, the pace of scientific output had increased dramatically. Unfortunately, not all these outputs reflect robust science. Identifying high quality evidence among the background of ‘noise’ generated by the sheer volume of publications is increasingly difficult. Journals play a key role in maintaining the quality of published science and promoting public trust in the scientific process. I will share my experience as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Dental Research of how we handle new developments such as the widespread introduction of generative artificial intelligence. Greater transparency in the research process is one approach to improve confidence in research data. The development of new tools can also open opportunities to address longstanding questions, and I will discuss some of the timely topics in the field. These include moves towards national oral health research strategies and current debates around the safety of fluoride. Journals like the JDR can also help direct and promote research on topics through special issues and collections and I will describe our latest special issue themes including the current call for submissions!

Programme
Presentation