Roadmap
Research Sub-Theme
1. Etiology and Risk Factors
Genetic and epigenetic studies on orofacial clefts
Influence of environmental factors and maternal nutrition
Teratogens and prenatal factors
Epidemiological analysis and population distribution
Gene–environment interactions
2. Diagnosis and Early Detection
Prenatal screening and imaging (Ultrasound, 3D imaging)
Clinical diagnosis and cleft classification
Development of diagnostic biomarkers
Digital technology for case identification and documentation
AI/ML in detection and risk prediction
3. Surgical Management and Technical Innovation
Optimization of palatoplasty and cheiloplasty techniques
Surgical timing and outcomes
Alveolar reconstruction and bone grafting
Use of navigation technology/digital surgical planning
Evaluation of complications and secondary/revision surgery
4. Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
Scaffolds and biomaterials for bone regeneration
Stem cells and tissue engineering
Platelet-derived biologics
Alternative graft materials
Biocompatibility and clinical translational trials
5. Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation
Orthodontics and craniofacial growth
Speech therapy and oral function
Prosthodontics and aesthetic rehabilitation
Nutritional management for cleft patients
Evaluation of patient quality of life (QoL)
6. Psychosocial Aspects and Public Health
Psychological impact on patients and families
Social stigma and social adaptation
Public education and community-based interventions
Access to healthcare services
Economic burden analysis of the disease
7. Clinical Outcomes and Long-term Evaluation
Longitudinal analysis of treatment results
Functional and aesthetic success indicators
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)
Patient databases and registries
Standardization of evaluation protocols
8. Digital Technology and Data Science
Telemedicine in cleft management
Digital workflow and 3D reconstruction
Big data and national registries
Machine learning for outcome prediction
Virtual surgical planning (VSP) simulations
9. Education, Policy, and Service Systems
Interprofessional education models for cleft care
Clinical curriculum development
Health policy analysis
Integrated service models for cleft centers
Capacity building for healthcare professionals
