ISLAMABAD: Young researchers from the University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD), The University of Lahore, have earned major recognition at a national international dental research gathering in Islamabad, securing the Rising Scholar Award and first position in the Oral Poster Presentation Category at the 1st School of Dentistry (SOD), Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), International Dental Conference 2026 and the 9th Annual Conference of the Pakistan Association for Dental Research (PADR), IADR Pakistan Section.
The two-day conference was held recently at the Park China Friendship Center in Islamabad, bringing together dental academicians, researchers, clinicians, postgraduate trainees and students for scientific presentations, research discussions and professional exchange.
The recognition for UCMD came through the work of Dr. Immad Ahmad Munir and his junior colleague Zainab Fatima, who were awarded the Rising Scholar Award and secured first position in the Oral Poster Presentation Category under the supervision of Dr. Aqsa Arif.
The achievement highlights the growing contribution of young researchers from UCMD to dental research and scientific communication, while placing their work among the distinguished research presentations featured at the conference.
Young researchers take centre stage
The recognition was particularly significant because the conference provided a competitive platform for researchers and emerging dental professionals to present their work before an academic and professional audience.
For UCMD, the achievement extended beyond participation. Its researchers were recognized in one of the conference's academic presentation categories, reflecting their ability to translate research work into scientific presentations and compete alongside researchers from dental institutions across Pakistan.
The conference also provided young dental researchers with opportunities to engage with senior academicians, clinicians and fellow researchers, gaining exposure to research methodology, scientific communication and emerging developments in oral health sciences.
Research achievement under academic supervision
Dr. Immad Ahmad Munir and Zainab Fatima carried out their research under the supervision of Dr. Aqsa Arif, whose involvement also extended to the organization of the conference.
The recognition underscores the importance of mentorship and structured research opportunities in helping early-career dental researchers develop their academic and scientific profiles.
For emerging dental professionals, research competitions and oral presentations offer an opportunity not only to showcase findings but also to develop skills in scientific communication, critical analysis and evidence-based dentistry.
UCMD also contributed to conference organization
UCMD's involvement in the Islamabad conference was not limited to research presentations.
Representatives of the University College of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Lahore, were also involved in the organizing committee, contributing to the planning and execution of the academic event.
Dr. Aqsa Arif, who supervised the award-winning research, played a prominent role in the organizing team. In a post following the conference, she described leading the UCMD organizing team for the SOD–SZABMU International Dental Conference and the 9th PADR Conference as a significant academic and professional experience.
Other UCMD representatives also participated in the conference's organizational activities, reflecting the institution's broader engagement with dental research, scientific collaboration and professional development.
Conference strengthens dental research exchange
The SOD–SZABMU International Dental Conference 2026, held in collaboration with the 9th Annual Conference of the Pakistan Association for Dental Research (IADR Pakistan Section), brought together researchers, clinicians, academicians, postgraduate trainees and students for scientific exchange.
The conference featured research presentations and opportunities for professional networking, while providing a platform for emerging researchers to present their work and receive recognition.
Such academic forums are particularly important for strengthening the research culture within dentistry by connecting young investigators with established researchers and exposing students and early-career professionals to current developments in dental and oral health sciences.
A milestone for UCMD's research culture
The recognition received by Dr. Immad Ahmad Munir and Zainab Fatima adds to UCMD's growing involvement in dental research and academic activities.
Their achievement, combined with UCMD's contribution to the conference's organizing process, reflects an institutional emphasis on research, mentorship, scientific presentation and academic collaboration.
For young dental professionals, recognition at competitive research forums can provide valuable academic exposure while encouraging them to pursue further research and contribute to the evidence base shaping modern dentistry.
The UCMD researchers' success in Islamabad therefore represents not only an individual academic milestone but also a notable achievement for the institution's emerging research community.
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