Mark Herzberg to be made honorary doctor at Malmö University
Professor Mark Herzberg at the University of Minnesota has been appointed honorary doctor at Malmö University’s Faculty of Odontology, having contributed to its research in oral microbiology.
A glycoprotein biochemist and periodontist by training, Herzberg has devoted his entire research career to molecular research involving the oral cavity, particularly the interaction between the oral mucosa and oral bacteria or viruses.
"Being awarded an honorary doctorate from Malmö University is a great honour, one of the greatest in my academic career," says Herzberg.
The motivation for the appointment reflects his long and successful collaboration that has contributed significantly to research at the faculty, particularly in oral microbiology. Herzberg served as a visiting researcher in 2008 and 2010, and participated for many years in joint research projects that have led to increased understanding of how oral bacteria react to surfaces in the mouth.
Collaboration that contributed to new knowledge in the field
It was in the early 2000s that he visited the University for the first time, following a personal invitation from the University's former Vice-Chancellor, Per-Olof Glantz. Professor Glantz wanted to put Herzberg in contact with researchers at the University, and particularly with the researchers in oral microbiology at the Faculty of Odontology.
Thus, a collaboration was born. Over the proceeding years, the collaboration produced several notable joint publications and a five-year research grant from the US National Institutes of Health. This grant was shared between Malmö University and the University of Minnesota.
“So, 17 years later, we can reflect on the value of engaged collaboration between inquiring minds. Our collaboration has opened new directions for research which is among the most exciting outcomes for scientists. We made excellent contributions to the science of microbiology and microbial ecology," says Herzberg.
Read the motivation
“Professor Mark Herzberg was editor of the Journal of Dental Research for many years as well as President of the American Association for Dental Research. While his PhD focus was on glycoprotein biochemistry, he has devoted most of his research career to basic science research in the oral cavity. In particular, on the structural basis of the interactions between oral bacteria and viruses with the oral mucosa.
“Mark Herzberg has long been a valuable collaborator and has made a significant contribution to the research environment at the faculty, partly on site as a visiting scientist on two occasions (2008 and 2010) and partly through successful applications to the National Institutes of Health that have led to many years of joint research projects. This collaborative work has led to an increased understanding of how oral bacteria can react to external stimuli and respond by upregulating adhesion proteins.”
