Azeez Butali, Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, was recently recognized by the Nigerian Medical Association for his pioneering work in cleft lip and palate research. This honor adds to a growing list of accolades, including the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). 

“This honor by the Nigerian Medical Association means a lot to me, since it came from my first professional association and colleagues in Nigeria,” Butali said, “My reward is to do more work to improve the lives of children with orofacial clefts.”

Cleft lip and palate are among the most common birth defects worldwide, affecting millions of children and families. These conditions can lead to challenges in eating, speaking, and hearing, and while they are treatable through surgery and therapy, access to care remains uneven across communities.

Butali’s research focuses on uncovering the genetic factors that contribute to cleft lip and palate by studying the genomes of individuals affected by these conditions. Supported by numerous grants from the National Institutes of Health and private foundations, his work has advanced scientific understanding while also improving lives. By addressing cultural and mental health challenges and expanding access to care, Butali’s research bridges science and service.

Butali also serves as a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Carver College of Medicine, the Iowa Institute of Oral Health Research, and the Iowa Institute of Human Genetics. He established and directs the African Craniofacial Anomalies Network, further extending the reach of his work across borders and disciplines.

His recognition by the Nigerian Medical Association underscores the global impact of his research and his commitment to improving health outcomes for children and families affected by craniofacial anomalies.