Dow dentists win award for oral cancer early-detection research

KARACHI: Two dental house officers from Dow International Dental College (DIDC), Karachi, have earned national recognition for their research into the early detection of cancerous and precancerous oral lesions, winning the Best Implementation Award at Pakistan’s Nationwide STEM Talent Search Competition. Dr Syeda Tehreem Irfan and Dr Warisha Tul Islam presented their ongoing research project, titled “Development of Microfluidic Intact Cell Assay (MICA) System Using Beta Defensin Index in the early detection of cancerous and precancerous oral lesions in Pakistan, ” at the competition held recently at Expo Centre Karachi. Their research explores the use of a Microfluidic Intact Cell Assay (MICA) system together with the Beta Defensin Index as a potential approach to identifying cancerous and precancerous changes in oral lesions at an earlier stage. The work places particular emphasis on the Pakistani context and seeks to explore a research-based approach that could contribute to earlier recognition of potentially serious oral lesions. The project received the Best Implementation Award, along with a trophy, medal and cash prize of Rs100, 000, recognising the researchers’ work presented at the national STEM competition. The recognition is significant not only for the award itself but also for the subject of the research, which addresses one of the important challenges in oral healthcare: identifying potentially malignant changes before they progress to more advanced disease. However, the project is still an ongoing research effort, and the award recognises its implementation and presentation at the competition rather than establishing the MICA system as a clinically validated diagnostic method. Research takes centre stage at national STEM competition The Nationwide STEM Talent Search Competition was organised by Lok Sahaita Trust in collaboration with NED University of Engineering and Technology (NEDUET) and the Asma M. Hashmi STEM Centre, NEDUET, bringing together young researchers and innovators from across Pakistan. The competition attracted more than 200 applications nationwide, with 28 finalist teams ultimately selected to present their projects. The initiative sought to recognise young innovators working on solutions to current challenges facing Pakistan across eight thematic areas, including Health and Biomedical Innovations. According to the researchers’ account, their oral cancer project was the only medical project among the 28 finalists, while the other finalist projects largely focused on engineering and artificial intelligence-based innovations. The competition jury included Dr Iqrar Ahmed Khan, Chairperson of the Punjab Higher Education Commission; Zainab Faisal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Consumer Connect; and Syed Muhammad Owais Kazmi, Chief Information Officer of NayaPay. Focus on early oral cancer detection The research by the two Dow International Dental College house officers centres on developing and exploring a MICA-based system using the Beta Defensin Index for the early detection of cancerous and precancerous oral lesions. The approach reflects a broader need for improved methods of recognising potentially malignant oral changes at an earlier point, when timely clinical assessment and intervention may be more beneficial. By taking the research to a national STEM platform, Dr Syeda Tehreem Irfan and Dr Warisha Tul Islam brought a dental and biomedical research question into a competition otherwise dominated by technology-driven projects, highlighting the role of dental research in addressing wider public health challenges. Their achievement also provides visibility to emerging dental researchers working at the intersection of oral healthcare, biomedical science and technology, while keeping the focus on research aimed at improving the early recognition of oral disease in Pakistan. The Best Implementation Award marks a notable recognition for the project, while the ongoing research itself represents the central focus of the work presented by the two Dow International Dental College researchers. Stay connected with Dental News Pakistan pk/14-Sep-2026/dow-dentists-win-award-for-oral-cancer-early-detection-research” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener noreferrer”>Read full story on Dental News