By Dr Annu Nangia, ASOFRE Chair
The Australian Society of Orthodontists Foundation for Research and Education (ASOFRE) Foundation Meeting was held at the Grand Chancellor Hotel in Hobart on the 28th + 29th March 2025. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Hobart’s Constitution Dock, over 250 attendees enjoyed the opportunity to take in Tasmania’s stunning scenery and hospitality in addition to the Foundation Meeting.
Since 1961, the ASOFRE has been dedicated to fostering scientific and clinical research to enhance evidence-based orthodontic care in Australia.
Funding the ASOFRE
The ASOFRE is the major contributor for research grants and donations for postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows at all Australian University based orthodontic programs. Funding is obtained through generous donations from members and industry sponsors, as well as through the Grateful Patient Program. Apart from contributing to world class orthodontic research here in Australia, it allows the ASOFRE to bring in high level academics from overseas to provide intensive educational programs to the post graduate orthodontic students as well as to ASO members, by way of the ASOFRE Foundation Meeting.
Keynote Speaker: Professor Martyn Cobourne
This year’s Foundation Meeting was held in Hobart and the 250 attendees were treated to excellence in orthodontics from the engaging Professor Martyn Cobourne (King’s College, London).
Professor Cobourne’s clinical interests lie in the management of complex orthodontic problems, with particular emphasis on multidisciplinary orthodontic-surgical treatment of patients with non-syndromic facial deformity. He runs a basic science research laboratory investigating craniofacial anomalies at King’s College London and has led multiple randomized controlled trials investigating the clinical efficiency of orthodontic appliances.
Evidence Based Research
Professor Cobourne’s evidence-based lectures covered the topics of early interceptive treatment, looked for any link between orthodontics and airway volume, explored the evidence for adopting new technology, and provided methods in managing missing lateral incisors. He also providing insights from the world of orthodontics as he was taught and to what he does now.
Empowering the Next Generation
The pre–Foundation Meeting student program was a key highlight, providing postgraduate students with an invaluable opportunity to present their research, receive feedback from leading experts, and network with peers from across the region.
Supporting and showcasing emerging talent remains a core mission of the Foundation.
Solventum (formerly 3M Australia) was kind enough to be the sponsor of this program, and the ASOFRE acknowledges their significant time and financial contribution in making this happen.