FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 9, 2023
Media Contact:
Jill Sirko
Cambridge, Mass – The Forsyth Institute is pleased to announce that Benjamin Wu, DDS, PhD has assumed the role of Chief Scientific Officer, effective January 1, 2023. Dr. Wu, a world-renowned bioengineer and prosthodontist, joins the world’s premier independent oral health research institute following a 22-year career at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).
“Dr. Wu’s experience as an innovator, entrepreneur, prosthodontist, and bioengineer, combined with his long history of program building and leadership in the oral health field will help take Forsyth’s science program to the next level,” said Dr. Wenyuan Shi, Chief Executive Officer of Forsyth. “I am thrilled and honored to start the new year with Dr. Wu by my side.”
“It’s surreal to be back at Forsyth,” said Dr. Wu, who attended lectures at Forsyth while a prosthodontic resident at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) in the 1990’s and practiced clinically at Forsyth when it was still in the Fenway. “This opportunity allows me to work closely with the world-renowned Forsyth scientists, reunite with my mentors and colleagues in the greater Boston area, and innovate together with the highly energized executive team led by Dr. Shi.”
During his distinguished career at UCLA, Dr. Wu held appointments in the schools of Dentistry, Engineering (Bioengineering & Materials Science) and Medicine (Orthopedic Surgery). He was also the Director of the UCLA Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology. “With Dr. Wu’s vast experience in biotech and oral health technology, Forsyth is in a strong position to continue leading the world in oral health innovation and discovery,” said Elyse Cherry, Chair of the Forsyth Board of Directors.
A prolific and highly cited scientist, Dr. Wu has published over 240 peer-reviewed articles and 17 book chapters over his career, produced over 30 patents, and received multiple research awards for his cutting-edge research. His work has served as the basis for several biotech start-up companies and impacted multiple clinical disciplines through the development of preventive diagnostics and therapeutics.
“My background in dentistry and engineering, along with my track record in technology development presents a timely and synergistic fit for all three pillars of the Forsyth Institute – basic science discovery, clinical service/outreach, technology development” said Dr. Wu. “I look forward to building up the biomaterials efforts and working with the distinguished Forsyth scientists to innovate and improve oral and overall health.”
As the CSO of the Forsyth Institute, Dr. Wu will also participate in the education, research, clinic care, and technology innovation activities at HSDM.
About the Forsyth Institute
The Forsyth Institute, founded in 1910, is the world’s leading independent research institution focused on oral health and its connection to overall wellness. Forsyth was founded as a pediatric dental hospital serving disadvantaged children in the Boston area. Today, the Institute is grounded in a 3-pillared strategic plan focused on biological research, clinical service and public health outreach, and technological innovation. Forsyth carries out its original mission through a mobile public health dental program called ForsythKids.
###
