Dental professionals, practices, and academic researchers across Hong Kong are being invited to apply for funding through the MPS Foundation’s 2026 grant programme.
Launched in 2022, the MPS Foundation sits alongside Dental Protection as part of the wider Medical Protection Society. This global not-for-profit research initiative funds projects addressing key challenges in dentistry, including workforce pressures, mental wellbeing, human factors in practice, digital innovation, and improvements in dental education and training.
To date, the MPS Foundation has supported more than 60 medical and dental research projects worldwide. Funded initiatives include work exploring AI-driven diagnosis of periodontal disease from dental photographs and radiographs.
The foundation is inviting applications for research that strengthens the wellbeing of dental professionals and teams, enhances patient safety in dental care settings, and supports evidence-based improvements in clinical practice. Grants of up to HK$2.1m are available, depending on the ambition, scope and duration of the proposal. Smaller, practice-based studies are also encouraged, with previous awards as low as HK$26,570.
Applications are open to both members and non-members in regions where MPS operates, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland, the UK, Australia, the Caribbean and Bermuda, and South Africa. Joint applications between Hong Kong-based researchers and international partners are welcomed, particularly where shared learning can enhance patient safety and clinician wellbeing across healthcare systems.
Research projects should be academically robust, evidence-based and focused on at least one of the MPS Foundation’s four strategic priorities:
• The impact of human factors on patient safety, outcomes and risk
• The personal and professional wellbeing of healthcare professionals and teams
• The impact of digital integration and technology on patient safety, outcomes and risk
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of teaching and learning innovations
Prof Gozie Offiah, MPS Foundation chair, said: “We are proud of our record in funding over 60 projects in areas that have been historically underfunded, from supporting the mental health of medical professionals to exploring the application of innovative technologies in patient care.”
“The MPS Foundation is committed to funding original, evidence-based research and we are pleased to welcome applications for our 2026 grant programme,” she added. “Since our launch, our aim has been to support those leading improvements in patient safety and clinician wellbeing, and we particularly welcome proposals with outcomes that can be applied in the dental sector.”
“If you have an idea grounded in real-world practice and a desire to make a difference, we encourage you to apply and join our growing community of grant recipients. We also offer a range of resources and support to help applicants throughout the process,” said Prof Offiah.
The MPS Foundation will also run a series of online Q&A clinics to explain the application process and provide tips on what makes a successful application. The booking form for these clinics can be found on the MPS Foundation Grant Portal, and the team will be available to answer questions about the process.
