The Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), welcomed Professor Azeez Butali, DDS (Lagos), Ph.D. (Dundee), FICD, FAMedS, FAAAS, FMCDS (Honoris Causa) from The University of Iowa, United States, as part of the Intercontinental Partnership Summit in Dentistry 2026, held in conjunction with the 3rd International Dental Summer Course (IDSC) 2026. His visit marked an important milestone in strengthening the international partnership between the two institutions and advancing collaborative initiatives in research, education, and academic capacity building.
Throughout his visit, Professor Butali participated in a series of strategic meetings with the leaders of the Faculty of Dentistry and UNHAS to explore opportunities for a long-term institutional collaboration. Discussions centered on establishing joint research programs in oral and craniofacial sciences, promoting faculty and student mobility, developing collaborative grant applications, and expanding academic partnerships at the university level. One of the key outcomes of these discussions was the shared commitment to developing sustainable research collaborations
that address global challenges in oral health. Both institutions expressed their intention to foster multidisciplinary research in areas such as craniofacial anomalies, oral diseases, genomics, precision medicine, and translational dental research, while encouraging joint scientific publications and international networking among researchers.
As a globally recognized expert in craniofacial genetics and genomics, Professor Butali also met several research groups within the Faculty of Dentistry, including members of UNHAS’s Thematic Research Groups. The interactive discussions provided an opportunity for researchers to present their ongoing projects, exchange ideas, and identify potential areas for future collaboration. The sessions highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research and encouraged faculty members and early-career researchers to develop internationally competitive research programs.
Recognizing the importance of developing future academic leaders, discussions also explored opportunities for career development programs for junior academics from the Faculty of Dentistry, UNHAS. Proposed initiatives include short-term research attachments, academic mentorship, collaborative supervision, and advanced research training at The University of Iowa. These initiatives are expected to strengthen research capacity while expanding the global engagement of UNHAS’s academic community.
As part of the academic program, Professor Butali delivered a guest lecture entitled “Building a Successful Academic Career and the Role of Genomics in Modern Medicine” at UNHAS Dental Hospital. The lecture was attended by undergraduate dental students, residents, postgraduate students, lecturers, researchers, and clinicians from across the university. During the lecture, Professor Butali shared valuable insights on building a successful academic career through research excellence, international collaboration, and lifelong learning. He also discussed the rapidly evolving role of genomics in modern medicine, highlighting how advances in genetic research are transforming the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of complex diseases, including oral and craniofacial conditions. Participants actively engaged in discussions on research opportunities, innovation, and the future of precision medicine in dentistry.
Beyond the Faculty of Dentistry, Professor Butali’s visit also contributed to the broader academic community of UNHAS. He was invited as a distinguished guest speaker during the UNHAS Graduation Ceremony, held at Baruga A. P. Pettarani on Saturday, 25 July 2026. Addressing graduating students from various faculties, Professor Butali delivered an inspiring message emphasizing perseverance, global collaboration, ethical leadership, and the importance of pursuing lifelong learning in an increasingly interconnected world. His participation in both faculty-level and university-wide activities reflects the growing international reputation of the Faculty of Dentistry, UNHAS, and its commitment to fostering meaningful global partnerships. By engaging internationally renowned scholars such as Professor Butali, the Faculty continues to create opportunities for its students, researchers, and academic staff to connect with leading experts and develop collaborations that generate lasting scientific and societal impact.
The visit concluded a shared vision to translate these discussions into tangible collaborative programs, including joint research projects, faculty exchange, academic training, collaborative publications, and international funding initiatives. As the Faculty of Dentistry continues to expand its global network, partnerships with leading institutions such as The University of Iowa represent an important step toward realizing its vision of becoming a globally recognized center for excellence in dental education, research, innovation, and community engagement.
This partnership aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By promoting translational research in genomics and precision medicine to combat oral diseases and craniofacial anomalies, the collaboration supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. The initiatives focusing on academic training, faculty mentorship, and capacity building advance SDG 4: Quality Education by enhancing the standard of higher education and scientific research. Additionally, the strategic alliance between UNHAS and The University of Iowa exemplifies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering cross-border academic cooperation to advance global healthcare solutions.
Professor Butali’s visit exemplifies the spirit of the Intercontinental Partnership Summit in Dentistry 2026—bringing together world-class scholars to build meaningful collaborations, inspire the next generation of researchers, and advance dental science through international partnership.
