Pekka Vallittu | Biomaterials | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Prof. Pekka Vallittu | Biomaterials | Distinguished Scientist Award 

Professor, at Institute of Dentistry, Finland.

Professor Pekka K. Vallittu, born in 1965 in Mikkeli, Finland, is a distinguished figure in the field of biomaterials science. He holds degrees in Dental Technology (1988), Doctor of Dental Surgery, and Doctor of Philosophy (1994). Specializing in prosthodontics and stomatognathic physiology, Vallittu became a European Prosthodontic Association Recognized Prosthodontist in 2000. Currently, he serves as a Full Professor and Chair of Biomaterials Science at the University of Turku. His career spans various academic and clinical roles, including Head of the Institute of Dentistry at the University of Turku and Director of the Turku Clinical Biomaterials Centre. Vallittu has been instrumental in establishing several companies, such as Skulle Implants Corporation and Stick Tech Ltd, focusing on innovative dental and medical biomaterials. His research has significantly impacted clinical practices worldwide. theshift.fi+1utu.fi+1theshift.fi+2utu.fi+2utu.fi+2utu.fi+2utu.fi+2theshift.fi+2

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education

Professor Vallittu’s academic journey commenced with a Certified Dental Technician qualification in 1988. He then pursued higher education at the University of Kuopio, earning his Licentiate of Odontology (DDS) in 1994, followed by a Doctor of Odontology (PhD) in the same year. In 2000, he achieved the status of EPA-Recognized Specialist in Prosthodontics, specializing in Prosthetic Dentistry and Stomatognathic Physiology. His educational path reflects a deep commitment to advancing dental sciences, laying a robust foundation for his subsequent research and clinical contributions.

💼 Experience

Professor Vallittu’s professional experience is extensive and multifaceted. Since 2006, he has been a Full Professor and Chair of Biomaterials Science at the University of Turku. His leadership roles include serving as Head of the Institute of Dentistry at the University of Turku from 2004 to 2012 and as Director of the Turku Clinical Biomaterials Centre since 2008. Additionally, Vallittu has held positions such as Chief Dentist (part-time) at the VARHA Welfare District of South-West Finland and Honorary Professor at the University of Hong Kong. His involvement in various academic and clinical settings underscores his dedication to integrating research with practical applications in dentistry. utu.fi

🔬 Research Interests

Professor Vallittu’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum within biomaterials science. He has pioneered studies on fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs), bioactive glasses, and bioceramics, focusing on their applications in dental and medical fields. His recent work delves into natural-based fibers, cellulose nanocrystals, biomineralization processes, and hydrogels, aiming to develop sustainable and biocompatible materials. Collaborating with experts across various disciplines, Vallittu strives to translate his research findings into clinical innovations, addressing challenges in bone regeneration and dental restorations. utu.fi

🏆 Awards

Professor Vallittu’s exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. In 2025, he was honored as an Invited Corresponding Member of the Odontologiska Samfundet I Finland and received the Apollonia Finnish Dental Society Silver Decoration. The previous year, he was inducted into the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters and awarded the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies Gold Medal. Other notable accolades include the George Winter Award by the European Society for Biomaterials in 2021 and the Doctor of Odontology Honoris Causa from the University of Eastern Finland in 2022. These honors reflect his significant impact on dental research and practice.

📚Top Noted  Publications

Professor Vallittu’s scholarly work is extensive, with over 740 peer-reviewed publications. His recent articles include:

1. Effect of Different Surface Treatments on Shear Bond Strength of Autopolymerizing Repair Resin to Denture Base Materials Processed with Different Technologies

  • Journal: Journal of Prosthodontic Research

  • DOI: 10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_23_00149

  • Summary: This study evaluated the impact of chemical, mechanical, and combined surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) between autopolymerizing repair resins and various denture base materials, including heat-cured, CAD-CAM milled, and 3D-printed resins. Results indicated that surface treatments significantly influenced SBS, with air particle abrasion and 180-grit abrasive paper enhancing bond strength, particularly for 3D-printed materials. jstage.jst.go.jp+1jstage.jst.go.jp+1jstage.jst.go.jp+2pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2jstage.jst.go.jp+2

2. Impact of Restorative Material on Fracture Behaviors of Class II Restoration in Endodontically Treated Deciduous Molars

3. Clinical Evaluation of Posterior Flowable Short Fiber-Reinforced Composite Restorations Without Proximal Surface Coverage

  • Journal: Odontology

  • DOI: 10.1007/s10266-024-00905-5

  • Summary: This randomized clinical trial assessed the performance of posterior restorations using flowable SFRC without proximal surface coverage. Over an 18-month period, the restorations demonstrated satisfactory clinical outcomes, with no significant differences in marginal integrity or color match between the intervention and control groups. link.springer.compubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

4. Biomechanical Considerations of Semi-Anatomic Glass Fiber-Reinforced Composite Implant for Mandibular Segmental Defects

  • Journal: Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials

  • Summary: This study explored the biomechanical properties of semi-anatomic glass fiber-reinforced composite implants used in mandibular segmental defect reconstructions. The findings highlighted the material’s potential in providing adequate mechanical support and promoting osseointegration, offering a promising alternative to traditional metal implants.

5. Co-Influence of Restoration Bonding and Inlay Cavity Design on Fracture Load of Restored Tooth

  • Journal: European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry

  • DOI: 10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_23_00149

  • Summary: This study investigated how inlay cavity design (edge-shaped vs. round) and bonding quality affect the fracture load of restored teeth. Results indicated that bonding quality significantly influenced fracture resistance, with round-shaped cavities bonded with high-quality protocols exhibiting the highest fracture loads.

Conclusion

Professor Pekka K. Vallittu’s career exemplifies the highest standards of scientific excellence, innovation, leadership, and societal impact in biomaterials science and prosthodontics. His extensive research output, successful translation of inventions to clinical practice, leadership in academia and industry, and broad recognition by prestigious awards strongly position him as an outstanding candidate for the Research for Distinguished Scientist Award.

Hangue Park | Neuroprosthetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Hangue Park | Neuroprosthetics | Best Researcher Award  🏆

Associate professor at  Sungkyunkwan University,South Korea🎓

Dr. Hangue Park is a prominent academic and researcher specializing in neuroprosthetics, multisensory integration, motor learning, rehabilitation, and human augmentation. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea, Dr. Park also holds adjunct faculty positions at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on developing innovative neuroprosthetic technologies, brain-machine interfaces, and rehabilitation systems to improve the lives of patients with neurological impairments. Through his leadership of the Integrated NeuroProsthesis Lab, Dr. Park is pushing the boundaries of neural engineering to achieve advanced human augmentation and neuroprosthetic applications. He has an interdisciplinary background that merges electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience to address real-world challenges in medical technology.

 

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓:

Dr. Park completed his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2017, where his dissertation focused on gait optimization and real-time sensory feedback systems for amputee cats. He earned his Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Seoul National University in 2008, focusing on the design of wireless capsule endoscopy systems. Dr. Park received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, graduating Cum Laude, from Seoul National University in 2006. His advanced studies reflect his strong foundation in both engineering and medical technologies, equipping him to bridge the gap between technology and human health.

 

Work Experience 💼:

Dr. Park’s work experience spans academia, research, and industry. He is currently an Associate Professor at Sungkyunkwan University and has been affiliated with Texas A&M University as an adjunct faculty member since 2017. He was previously an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (2017-2022). Prior to his academic career, Dr. Park worked at Samsung Electronics, where he contributed to the design of digital RF transceivers and tunable components for cellphone applications (2008-2010). Additionally, he spent time at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology working on cutting-edge RF and oscillator designs. His industry experience informs his research, allowing him to bring practical, innovative solutions to complex biomedical challenges.

 

Skills 🔍

Dr. Park possesses a diverse skill set that bridges engineering, neuroscience, and medical technology. His expertise includes neuroprosthetics, motor learning and rehabilitation, human augmentation, and neural interfaces. He is skilled in developing neuromorphic circuits and bidirectional neuroprostheses, and he uses advanced computational and experimental techniques to optimize neural feedback systems. His ability to integrate electrical engineering with neuroscience allows him to approach complex problems from a multidisciplinary perspective, making him a leader in his field. He is also adept in circuit design, biomedical instrumentation, and the development of medical devices aimed at improving patients’ quality of life.

 

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Park has received numerous accolades for his work in biomedical engineering and neuroscience. He was nominated for the COE TEES Young Faculty Fellow Award at Texas A&M University in 2022. He has also won several prestigious research awards, such as the Outstanding Research Award from the Association of Korean Neuroscientists in 2016 and the SRI Spinal Cord Injury Research Writing Prize in 2022. His poster presentations have earned top honors at several conferences, including first-place awards at Texas A&M Student Research Week and the Mission Connect Symposium. Dr. Park’s contributions have been recognized by major scientific organizations, and his work continues to impact both the academic community and industry.

 

🤝 Memberships:

Dr. Park is an active member of several professional organizations. He is a member of the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society, the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, and the Society for Neuroscience (SfN). He is also affiliated with the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) and the American Heart Association (AHA). His engagement with these societies enables him to stay at the forefront of advancements in neuroprosthetics, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience. Additionally, Dr. Park serves on the editorial boards of leading journals such as IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II and Frontiers in Neuroscience.

 

Teaching Experience 👩‍🏫:

Dr. Park has extensive teaching experience, primarily in the fields of biomedical engineering and electrical engineering. He currently teaches at Sungkyunkwan University and Texas A&M University, where he has mentored numerous graduate students in both research and clinical applications. He has served as the advisor and committee chair for a large number of MS and PhD students, guiding them in projects related to neuroprosthetics, neural interfaces, and rehabilitation technology. His commitment to teaching is also reflected in his leadership roles in various academic committees, including the Graduate Studies Committee at Texas A&M University.

 

Research Focus 🔬:

Dr. Park’s research focuses on the development of advanced neuroprosthetic devices and systems to restore lost sensory and motor functions in patients with neurological impairments. He specializes in bidirectional neuroprosthesis, multisensory integration, motor learning, and the use of neural intelligence to enhance human capability. His work includes the development of systems for brain-machine interfaces and rehabilitation technologies aimed at improving the mobility and autonomy of individuals with spinal cord injuries or amputations. Dr. Park is also interested in the potential of human augmentation and the integration of neural intelligence to create superhuman capabilities. His research combines expertise in neuromorphic circuits, neural prosthetics, and motor control to develop practical, impactful solutions for patient rehabilitation.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Dr. Hangue Park’s research exemplifies the qualities of an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His interdisciplinary expertise, pioneering work in neuroprosthetics, and commitment to improving patient outcomes make him a leader in the field. Despite potential challenges related to real-world implementation and ethical considerations, Dr. Park’s groundbreaking contributions to science and technology position him as an outstanding researcher whose work will continue to influence and inspire the field of biomedical engineering for years to come. His combination of innovation, academic achievement, and dedication to improving human health makes him highly deserving of this prestigious award.

📚 Publilcation

  • Underground Metal Pipeline Localization Using Low-cost Wireless Magnetic Sensors Mounted on an Excavator
  • Palatal Electrotactile Display Outperforms Visual Display in Tongue Motor Learning
  • Pinching Force Changes by Modulating the Interaction Gain Over the Fingertip
  • Challenges, Tasks, and Opportunities in Teleoperation of Excavator Toward Human-in-the-loop Construction Automation
  • Forehead Tactile Hallucination Is Augmented by the Perceived Risk and Accompanies Increase of Forehead Tactile Sensitivity
  • A CNN-based Method to Reconstruct 3-D Spine Surfaces from US Images in Vivo