LEUVEN, Belgium: KU Leuven and GC Europe have renewed the Toshio Nakao Chair for Adhesive Dentistry for 2026–2030. The chair is one of the oldest endowed chairs at KU Leuven and supports research into dental adhesive materials and their interaction with tooth structure. It is currently held by Prof. Bart Van Meerbeek, head of the BIOMAT research group within KU Leuven’s Biomedical Sciences Group.
Established in 1998 through the support of GC, the Toshio Nakao Chair for Adhesive Dentistry was created to advance research in adhesive dentistry. For nearly three decades, the collaboration has supported research intended to improve dental materials and adhesive treatment techniques.
The renewal was formally marked on 23 June at KU Leuven. The ceremony included addresses by Prof. Van Meerbeek and Dr Per Falk, CEO of GC Holding, and these were followed by the signing of the agreement and remarks by KU Leuven Rector Prof. Séverine Vermeire. The renewal continues a long-term research partnership between KU Leuven and GC Europe. Both organisations said that the partnership reflects their shared commitment to improving oral healthcare and supporting health and longevity.
At the signing ceremony for the 2026–2030 renewal of the Toshio Nakao Chair for Adhesive Dentistry, Prof. Bart Van Meerbeek (right) highlighted how the nearly three-decade collaboration between KU Leuven and GC has helped bridge the gap between independent scientific research and industrial innovation. (Image: Michael De Lausnay/KU Leuven)
“The success of this partnership is built on a shared respect for scientific independence,” said Prof. Van Meerbeek. “Throughout the years, GC has consistently supported objective research, even when results did not necessarily align with initial expectations.”
In his address, Dr Falk emphasised the importance of investing in long-term scientific partnerships. He said: “Since its foundation, GC has recognised that innovation begins with listening. By staying close to our customers and working hand in hand with researchers, we gain the insights needed to continuously improve our materials and contribute to better oral healthcare worldwide.”
The research supported by the chair aligns with BIOMAT’s work on dental biomaterials, including adhesive technology and the clinical evaluation of restorative materials and procedures. By supporting research ranging from fundamental materials science to clinical studies, the collaboration aims to facilitate the translation of laboratory findings into clinical applications. In her remarks, Prof. Vermeire described the partnership as an example of how universities and industry can support research, innovation and knowledge transfer with broader societal relevance.
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