The first 100 days since taking over the presidency of the Osteology Foundation, a leading international organisation in the field of tissue regeneration, have been eventful. What challenges await Frank Schwarz in 2026, and which highlights are planned for the International Osteology Symposium in Vienna in April 2026? Find out more in this interview, courtesy of PIP magazine, translated from German.

Every president wants to leave their mark on a foundation – what will be your mark?

The Osteology Foundation stands for evidence-based science with clear clinical relevance. My focus is on consistently approaching regenerative concepts from the patient’s perspective. The focus should not be on individual metrics, but on treatment outcomes in terms of function, aesthetics, and quality of life. International networking, structured guideline work and the promotion of young talent are central pillars of this.

What progress has been made in the Osteology Foundation's cooperation with other international associations and initiatives such as the GCCG Global Consensus for Clinical Guidelines?

The Global Consensus for Clinical Guidelines is the first internationally coordinated guideline framework that systematically combines clinical expertise and patient-reported outcomes. The aim is to achieve transparent, structured decision-making throughout the entire course of treatment – always with the aim of reconciling patient expectations and clinical feasibility. The Osteology Foundation is actively involved in shaping this process.

How do you make the International Osteology Symposium particularly attractive to a young audience?

The symposium is not only intended to impart knowledge, but also to initiate new perspectives. This includes greatly reduced participation fees for young colleagues, dedicated next-generation formats, visibility on stage, and clear information on scholarships, grants, and research funding programmes. Young talent is not a peripheral concern, either in Vienna or at the Osteology Foundation; it is an integral part of the community.

There are rumours that you will be focusing more on the implementation of AI in the future – how do you intend to bring this exciting topic into the Foundation?

We see artificial intelligence as a means to an end, not as an end in itself. Its value lies in structured data, international registries, and networked research, enabling us to address clinical questions more efficiently and with greater insight. The aim is to create a better basis for decision-making – always with a view to the concrete benefits for patients.

Why should the International Osteology Symposium in Vienna not be missed?

Vienna 2026 combines the latest science, international expertise and high clinical relevance. The programme reflects the entire spectrum of modern regenerative concepts and deliberately focuses on exchange, discussion and networking. Anyone interested in the future direction of regenerative dentistry will find ample inspiration there.

Thank you very much for your time and insights.