FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 1, 2022
Media contact:
Jill Sirko, jsirko@forsyth.org
Cambridge, Mass. -It is with great pleasure that the Forsyth Institute announces the appointment of Benjamin Wu, DDS, PhD, as the new Chief Scientific Officer beginning in January 2023. Dr. Wu is a world-renowned bioengineer and prosthodontist. He is currently Professor and Chair of the Division of Regenerative and Reconstructive Sciences at the School of Dentistry at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), integrating the sections of Advanced Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Special Patient Care and Maxillofacial Prosthetic. He is also a founding faculty and former chairman of the Department of Bioengineering at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering.
“Ben is a most respected scientist, engineer, dentist, and entrepreneur,” said Dr. Wenyuan Shi, Forsyth’s CEO. “I am so honored to have Ben lead Forsyth’s science program and to work together. With his proven track record for innovations and unrivaled energy for challenges, I am confident that we can bring Forsyth to a new level. Given our recent efforts in oral health innovation, I cannot think of anyone I would rather have by my side.”
Dr. Wu is an experienced innovator and entrepreneur. In addition to formal academic appointments in the in the UCLA schools of Dentistry, Engineering (Bioengineering & Materials Science) and Medicine (Orthopedic Surgery), Dr. Wu is also the Director of the UCLA Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology. Dr. Wu leads a team of highly accomplished scientists and clinicians to develop innovative solutions to replace lost tissues and functions of the craniomaxillofacial region. Dr. Wu is also the founding Executive Director of UCLA’s Innovative Digital Dentistry Systems and leads the School’s digital transformation in dental education and oral health care.
Dr. Wu was a top-ranked choice of the Forsyth faculty and the search committee. “We are thrilled that Dr. Wu will be coming to the Forsyth Institute,” said Elyse Cherry, Chair of Forsyth’s Board of Directors. “His multidisciplinary background and stellar track record in biotech, oral health technology, and research will keep Forsyth at the forefront of oral health technology innovation.”
As the CSO of the Forsyth Institute, Dr. Wu is also expected to become a member of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine faculty via Forsyth’s affiliation. In that capacity he will be involved in the school’s education, research, clinic care, and technology innovation activities.
“On behalf of HSDM, we congratulate Forsyth on the selection of Ben Wu for this important role,” said Dr. William Giannobile, dean of HSDM. “Ben is an alumnus of HSDM, and an admired scientist, innovator, and leader in the field who brings many strengths to the role of CSO. With Forsyth’s affiliation with HSDM, we look forward to working with Ben as a strong collaborator and contributor to our mission of research and clinical innovation.”
A prolific and highly cited scientist, Dr. Wu has published over 240 peer-reviewed articles and 17 book chapters over the course of his career, produced over 30 patents, and has received multiple research awards for his cutting-edge research. His work has motivated several biotech start-up companies and impacted multiple clinical disciplines, including dentistry, infectious diseases, orthopedics, plastic and reconstructive surgery, ophthalmic surgery, radiology, and urology. His current research is focused on novel biomaterials and advanced manufacturing of devices for preventive diagnostics and therapeutics.
Dr. Wu will officially join the Forsyth Institute in January of 2023.
About The Forsyth Institute
The Forsyth Institute, founded in 1910, is the world’s leading independent research institution focused on oral health and its connection to overall wellness. Forsyth was founded as a pediatric dental hospital serving disadvantaged children in the Boston area. Today, the Institute is grounded in a 3-pillared strategic plan focused on biological research, clinical service and public health outreach, and technological innovation. Forsyth conducts its original mission through a mobile public health dental program called ForsythKids.
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