WFO Introduces Roberto Justus ‘Rising Star’ Travel Scholarship to Support Emerging Leaders in Orthodontics
In 2023, the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) launched a prestigious new award—the Roberto Justus ‘Rising Star’ Travel Scholarship to empower early-career researchers, aged 38 and under, to share their work on international stages beyond their home regions.
This distinguished scholarship, created by the WFO Executive Committee, honors the legacy of former WFO President Dr. Roberto Justus. Renowned for his dedication to mentoring young professionals, Dr. Justus has long served as a guiding influence in the global orthodontic community. The Rising Star award recognizes WFO Fellows who show outstanding leadership promise and have already made meaningful contributions to the advancement of orthodontics.
The first recipient to utilize the 2024 scholarship funds for travel and academic exchange is Dr. Fabrizia d’Apuzzo from Naples, Italy. Dr. d’Apuzzo recently took the stage at the 28th Indian Orthodontic Society (IOS) Postgraduate Convention, held from February 20–23, 2025, at Manav Rachna Dental College in Faridabad, just outside Delhi. She received a warm and enthusiastic reception from attendees.
At the convention, Dr. d’Apuzzo presented her cutting-edge research titled “Diagnosis and Treatment Management of Growing Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders.” Her work, developed at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli where she has served as a Research Fellow since 2019 sparked dynamic discussions among thousands of orthodontists and dental professionals present.
This high-profile platform enabled Dr. d’Apuzzo to not only share her scientific findings and clinical experience but also to build meaningful connections within the global orthodontic network. These interactions are expected to contribute to both her personal career development and the broader advancement of the field.
Dr. d’Apuzzo expressed her sincere gratitude to the WFO Executive Committee including President Dr. Nikhillesh Vaid, Dr. Bryce Lee, and Dr. Letizia Perillo for their ongoing support and dedication to mentoring the next generation of orthodontists. She also warmly thanked Dr. Puneet Batra, President of the Indian Orthodontic Society, and Dr. Ashish Kumar Singh, Organizing Secretary of the convention, for their gracious hospitality, as well as the many colleagues and students whose camaraderie made her visit to India truly memorable.
Looking ahead, Dr. d’Apuzzo is eager to attend the upcoming AAO Annual Session in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, taking place April 25–27, 2025. There, she will be formally recognized as a Rising Star awardee during the AAO/WFO Presidents’ Breakfast, joining fellow honorees in a celebration of excellence.
The recipients of the 2025 Roberto Justus ‘Rising Star’ Travel Scholarship and other distinguished WFO awards will also be announced at the Presidents’ Breakfast and subsequently featured in the next issue of the WFO Gazette.
