Cleft Research Offers Hope
For A Long Term Solution

We have supported — and partnered with — most of the world's leading cleft research scientists and institutions. Our support focused on three main areas: discovery of what causes clefts, ways to prevent clefts and how to improve the safety and quality of cleft treatment.

As inexpensive as a $250 cleft operation may seem, it pales in comparison with the prospect of a $1 pill or vaccine that could prevent the problem entirely. Imagine what a difference that would make. How many lives could be changed — and even saved. That is why cleft research is so important and why The Smile Train supported cleft research worldwide.

Research Grants
All Smile Train research grants were awarded and administered by The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery/Plastic Surgery Education Foundation (ASPS/PSEF). The Smile Train sponsored research was open to health care professionals for research projects in the areas of etiology, treatment or the care of children with cleft lip and palate. The latest Cleft Lip and Palate Research Grant Initiative with The Smile Train and American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery/Plastic Surgery Education Foundation (ASPS/PSEF) is now closed to new applications.