Congratulations to Professor Hal Duncan, who received the 2026 Distinguished Scientist Award in Pulp Biology and Regeneration (the processes involved in tooth regeneration). The presentation took place last month at the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) 104th General Session in San Diego, California. 

Originally a graduate of the University of Glasgow, Professor Duncan completed specialist training in Endodontology at King's College London and a PhD at the University of Birmingham. He joined Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) in 2008, where he is now Director of Research, specialising in basic and applied pulp biology and vital pulp treatment (the preservation of the living centre or 'nerve' of the tooth). He is also the current Editor-in-Chief for the International Endodontic Journal and the recent past president of the European Society of Endodontology.

Professor Duncan said: "I was honoured to receive the IADR Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group (PRGB) Distinguished Scientist Award last Wednesday. It is a recognition not only of years working in this area, but also a nod to the inter-relationship between clinicians and scientists in this advancing field. This award would not have been possible for me without the contribution of both my clinical research students and mentors, but also my scientifically-trained research students and the strong mentorship of previous scientific winners of the PBRG award, Professor Tony Smith and Professor Paul Cooper."

Professor Alison Dougall, Dean of Dental Affairs and Head of School, shared her good wishes: "Congratulations to Professor Hal Duncan on this prestigious research award. It is a testament to the profound global recognition and impact that his body of work is having on the field of pulp biology. We continue to be so proud of him at DDUH."