The University at Buffalo (N.Y.) received $1 million from Japan-based Sunstar Group to establish an endowment fund in honor of the late Robert Genco, DDS, PhD, a leading periodontal researcher, the American Dental Association reports.
The Sunstar Robert J. Genco Endowed Chair in Oral Biology will be a new faculty position that supports faculty who are also scholars, researchers and innovators, and facilitate collaboration in oral biology and periodontal medicine.
Dr. Genco died in March 2019 after spearheading a relationship between University at Buffalo and oral healthcare company Sunstar, which led to several advancements in periodontal health.
"I was so excited when I heard the news and all I could think of was how proud Bob would be — he always liked to recognize people for their hard work," said Frances Genco, the dentist's wife. "I hope when people hear about this fund, they'll honor what Bob stood for and will uphold his attitude not just about science, but about helping people."