Sangamesh Kumbar, PhD, the Byron H. and Mary V. Weeth Professor of Dental Research at the UNMC College of Dentistry, was part of a team that was honored with a team award for outstanding research accomplishments.
The research was recognized at the 2026 Military Health System Research Symposium in Kissimmee, Fla., Aug. 3-6.
The symposium’s theme was “Harnessing the Power of Military Medical Research.” The event featured plenary sessions, poster presentations and other research-med events. Dr. Kumbar’s team earned the symposium’s 2026 Outstanding Research Accomplishment (Team-Academia) Award.
Dr. Kumbar said the award recognized the power of collaborative, interdisciplinary research in addressing some of the most complex challenges in trauma care.
“Our team is developing regenerative medicine strategies to promote the simultaneous repair of bone, nerve and muscle tissues following severe extremity injuries,” he said. “My laboratory focuses on engineering biomaterial platforms and delivering bioactive factors that support coordinated tissue regeneration and pain mitigation.”
The work, he said, is aimed at establishing a clinically translatable regenerative platform that can drive coordinated multi-tissue healing and functional restoration following severe extremity trauma.
“We are honored that this research has been recognized by the Military Health System Research Symposium and remain committed to developing innovative solutions that benefit both wounded warfighters and civilian trauma patients,” Dr. Kumbar said.
Ken Bayles, PhD, vice chancellor for research at UNMC, noted the MHSRS is the largest biomedical research conference within the U.S. Department of War, representing research enterprises from academia, industry and the federal government.
“To be honored with this award is a clear testament to the great work that Dr. Kumbar and his wonderful staff do to protect our warfighters,” Dr. Bayles said.
UNMC College of Dentistry Dean Gerard Kugel, DMD, PhD, said:
“Congratulations to Dr. Kumbar and his team on this prestigious national recognition. This award reflects the innovation, collaboration and real-world impact of their research. We are extremely proud of Dr. Kumbar and his colleagues and the important contributions their work is making to regenerative medicine and patient care.”