Professor Robert Gassner has been with the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria, since fall 2003.

Previously, he worked at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Cleft Palate Craniofacial Center at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He joined the faculty there in 1997 and subsequently became Associate Professor for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2000. While in Pittsburgh, Prof. Gassner also conducted clinical and basic science research as it relates to oral and maxillofacial surgery. Supported by several NIH-funded grants in cartilage matrix formation and bone cell generation and collaborations with co-investigators, his work in the Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Laboratory focused especially on mechanical signaling and its effects on bone, cartilage, muscle, TMJ, and periodontal ligament cells during tissue turnover, regeneration and wound healing.At Innsbruck Medical University, Professor Gassner established a database of craniomaxillofacial trauma reflecting to date more than 10,000 cases. Numerous clinical articles confirm his experience in this field.

Professor Robert Gassner received his medical and dental education as well as his resident training in general and transplant surgery and oral and maxillofacial surgery from the University of Innsbruck, Austria. He is a European Board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and has an MBA Essentials diploma from Katz Business School, University of Pittsburgh.

• Considering Face Transplantation (June 29, 2006)
• Accreditation Standards (July 20, 2004)