Discover IOF
The International Orthodontics Foundation (IOF) is a not-for-profit organization that serves as a platform for international collaborative innovation.
Academy
Serve as a centralized platform for all online courses, offering a range of educational resources for orthodontic professionals.
Symposium & Events
As a platform for international collaborative innovation, IOF is dedicated to breaking down geographical barriers to make orthodontic advancements accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Research Grants
The Foundation provides researchers with annual Research Grants and Scholarships to support their careers in the fields related to Orthodontics.
About Aligner Clinical Excellence Grant
The Aligner Clinical Excellence Grant (ACE) is a dedicated category within the IOF Research Grants Program, alongside the Emerging Innovation Grants (EIG) and Advanced Innovation Grants (AIG). ACE supports independent, clinically relevant and publication-oriented research that strengthens the evidence base for clear aligner therapy. Unlike EIG and AIG, which focus on innovation and translational development, ACE prioritizes rigorous clinical studies evaluating treatment effectiveness, predictability, safety, biomechanics and patient outcomes. Studies primarily intended for marketing or product promotion are not eligible. However, scientifically designed clinical validation studies may be considered when they address meaningful clinical questions and are suitable for peer-reviewed publication.
Key Features of the ACE
Clinically Meaningful Questions
ACE supports research that addresses important clinical questions with direct relevance to orthodontists and patients.
Rigorous Study Design
Study designs should be appropriate for the research question and minimize bias. Randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical studies, observational studies, and systematic reviews are all encouraged where appropriate.
Publication-Oriented Research
Projects should have a clear pathway to publication in peer-reviewed journals, follow recognized reporting guidelines, and generate evidence that contributes to clinical practice and future guidelines.
Clinical Impact
Preference will be given to studies that improve patient care, treatment outcomes, clinical efficiency, or long-term treatment stability.
Area of Focus
Priority will be given to proposals that:
Address clinically important questions.
Use rigorous, appropriate study designs.
Include clinically meaningful outcomes.
Have a clear publication plan.
Have the potential to influence clinical practice.
Out of Scope
ACE generally does not fund:
Product marketing or promotional studies.
Technical validation without clear clinical relevance.
Laboratory research without direct clinical application.
Studies lacking scientific rigor or publication potential.
Incremental studies with limited impact on clinical evidence.
ACE Priority Topics for 2026
Aligner Materials, Force Systems and Wear Protocols
Dentofacial and Functional Modification in Growing and Mixed-Dentition Patients
Sagittal Orthopedic Correction and Growth Modification
Vertical Control and Deep Bite/Open Bite Correction
Transverse Modification and Maxillary Expansion
Anchorage Control and Auxiliary Mechanics
Structured Framework
Grant Type
Funding
Application Requirements
Project Focus
Expected Clinical Impact
Aligner Case Award
Up to USD 5,000
Well-documented clinical case prepared in accordance with ABO case presentation standards, including complete records, treatment documentation, and publishable case report
Exemplary clear aligner treatments, case reports, and clinical documentation
Promotes clinical excellence, standardized case reporting, case-based learning, and identifies clinically relevant topics for future evidence generation
ACE Pilot Evidence Grants
Up to USD 10,000
Clear clinical question, feasible study design, and defined clinical outcomes
Pilot studies, feasibility studies, protocol development, and preliminary clinical evidence
Generates preliminary clinical evidence to support larger, well-designed clinical studies and strengthen the evidence base for aligner therapy
ACE Clinical Evidence Grants
Up to USD 30,000
Strong clinical rationale, rigorous methodology, defined outcomes, and a publication plan
Clinical effectiveness, treatment predictability, patient outcomes, safety, treatment efficiency, digital workflows, and standardized aligner protocols
Produces clinically meaningful evidence that improves patient care, supports evidence-based decision-making, enhances treatment predictability and efficiency, and promotes best practices in clear aligner therapy.
All ACE-funded projects are required to publish their findings in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and acknowledge IOF support.
Timeline
Applications Open
1
August 3rd, 2026
Submission Deadline
2
October 31st, 2026
Await IOF Science
Committee Review
Committee Review
3
Selection & Announcement
4
Spring of 2027
For more information please email:
grants@iofglobal.org
Apply here
Aligner Clinical Evidence Grants By-Laws
1. Program Overview
A. ACE is designed to support clinically relevant, publication-oriented research focused on clear aligner therapy and digital orthodontics. The program aims to strengthen the evidence base for aligner treatment by supporting studies that address meaningful clinical questions, use appropriate research methods, and generate outcomes that can guide clinical decision-making.
B. Unlike general innovation grants, ACE focuses specifically on clinical evidence generation in areas that are important to the current and future development of aligner orthodontics. The program follows the broader IOF Research Grants framework, including membership eligibility, online submission, scientific review, budget rules, reporting, publication expectations, and compliance requirements.
2. Key Features of the ACE Program
A. Clinically Relevant Questions: ACE supports studies that address real clinical uncertainties in clear aligner therapy. Projects should focus on questions that matter to orthodontists, patients, and evidence-based clinical practice.
B. Evidence-Based Study Design: Applicants are encouraged to propose research with a clear clinical question, appropriate study design, defined outcomes, and a strong rationale. Studies may include clinical trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, feasibility studies, or other designs suitable for the research question.
C. Publication-Oriented Research: ACE prioritizes projects with strong potential for peer-reviewed publication. Funded researchers are expected to make best efforts to publish their findings in recognized scientific journals and acknowledge IOF support in resulting publications.
D. Priority-Driven Grant Portfolio Each year, IOF may define research priority areas to guide the ACE call for proposals. These priorities are intended to focus funding on evidence gaps with high clinical relevance and translational value.
3. Research Scope
A. ACE welcomes proposals related to clear aligner therapy and digital orthodontics. Relevant topics may include, but are not limited to:
I. Aligner Materials, Force Systems and Wear Protocols
II. Dentofacial and Functional Modification in Growing and Mixed-Dentition Patients
III. Anchorage Control and Auxiliary Mechanics
IV. Sagittal Correction and Dentofacial Growth Modification
V. Vertical Control and Deep-bite Correction
4. Eligibility
A. Applicants may include orthodontists, dentists, postgraduate students, residents, clinicians, academic researchers, and interdisciplinary research teams working in orthodontics or related fields.
B. A free IOF membership is required to apply. Applicants must register through the IOF website before submitting an application.
5. Application Requirements
A. Applicants should submit the following materials through the IOF online platform:
I. Completed application form
II. Research proposal
III. Budget and budget justification
IV. CV of the principal investigator and key team members
V. Conflict of interest declaration
VI. Ethics approval status or plan, if applicable
VII. Publication and reporting plan
VIII. Any additional materials requested by IOF
6. Review Process
A. Applications will first be screened for eligibility, completeness, and fit with the ACE program scope. Qualified applications will then undergo scientific review.
B. Applications will be evaluated based on:
I. Clinical importance of the research question
II. Alignment with ACE priority areas
III. Study design and methodological rigor
IV. Feasibility and timeline
V. Clarity of outcomes
VI. Publication potential
VII. Budget appropriateness
VIII. Team qualifications and collaboration
C. The existing IOF Research Grants process includes preliminary review by the Medical Operation Group and scientific evaluation by the Scientific Committee, with applicants notified through the IOF platform.
7. Use of Funds
A. ACE grant funds must be used only for the approved research project.
B. Eligible expenses may include research personnel, data collection, statistical analysis, clinical research materials, ethics submission fees, and approved publication-related costs.
C. ACE grants generally do not cover institutional overhead, unrelated travel, general electronic devices, entertainment, personal expenses, or commercial marketing activities. Similar budget restrictions are included in the existing IOF Research Grants bylaws.
8. Reporting and Publication
A. Funded applicants are expected to submit required progress and final reports according to IOF guidelines.
B. No later than six months after project completion, the grantee should submit a final scientific report summarizing the project, methods, results, conclusions, and use of funds.
C. ACE grantees are expected to make best efforts to publish their results in recognized peer-reviewed scientific journals. All publications, abstracts, posters, or presentations resulting from ACE-funded projects should acknowledge IOF support. Suggested acknowledgement:
“This project was supported by the International Orthodontics Foundation Aligner Clinical Evidence Grants Program.”
9. Publication and Final Payment
A. Publication of the final research findings is a required outcome of all ACE-funded projects.
B. For grants awarded under the USD 10,000 and USD 30,000 funding tiers, IOF shall retain 20% of the total approved grant amount as the final instalment.
C. The retained 20% shall be released only after the recipient has submitted satisfactory evidence that the final research findings have been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
D. Grants awarded under the USD 5,000 funding tier shall be paid in one instalment. No balance shall be retained; however, the recipient remains subject to the publication requirement.
E. All publications, presentations and scientific communications resulting from the funded project shall acknowledge the financial support of the International Orthodontics Foundation.
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