Wenyuan Shi, PhD, has been named chief executive officer and chief scientific officer of the Forsyth Institute. Shi is the co-author of more than 200 scientific articles and is credited as co-inventor of 45 patents, including an herbal lollipop that can treat tooth decay in children, which he designed and brought to market in 2008.
“Dr. Shi’s creativity, vision, and drive will help reinvigorate Forsyth in a way that not only evokes our original mission of providing quality dental care to Boston’s children, but also takes Forsyth forward as the leader in cutting-edge dental research from the lab into the real world,” said Peter Nessen, chair of the group’s board of directors.
Founded in 1910, the not-for-profit Forsyth Institute is the only independent research organization in the United States dedicated to understanding the connections between oral health and overall wellness, according to the organization. Recently, Shi has patented a series of inventions that aim to more effectively kill bacteria in the mouth, preventing gum infections and tooth decay before they start.
“His track record as an innovator, entrepreneur, and academic leader, paired with his extensive international network and proven ability to translate science into successful business, make Dr. Shi ideally suited to lead Forsyth into a bright future,” Nessen said.
Furthermore, Shi is a co-founder of C3J Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on improving human health through targeted, pathogen-specific antimicrobials to modulate the oral microbiome. Previously, he was the chair of the Section of Oral Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Dentistry and doctoral advisor for the UCLA oral biology PhD program.
“I am excited to be joining an organization whose mission so closely aligns with my passions,” said Shi. “The Forsyth Institute has long been a leader in bringing together great minds and fostering discussion and discovery. I truly believe that we can revolutionize the way oral health and overall health are perceived through foundational research discoveries, as well as through community outreach programs that educate the public about the importance of oral health.”
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