Bridging Research & Practice: Reflections from a Recent Trichology Summit Meeting
- TRI Princeton
- 25 minutes ago
- 2 min read
BRIDGING RESEARCH AND PRACTICE: REFELECTIONS FROM A RECENT TRICHOLOGY
SUMMIT MEETING
On October 12th , Dr Ernesta Malinauskyte (Director, Hair Research, TRI Princeton) had the privilege of joining the APT Unity Summit 2025 – an event organized by Association of Professional Trichologists. The Summit was dedicated to strengthening trichology through science, standardization, and collaboration. This year’s theme focused on bridging research and clinical practice - an area where clearer communication is urgently needed as the field evolves.
Ernesta participated in the panel “Expanding the Roots of Research & Public Education: Essential Attributes for Bridging Research and Service”, moderated by Dr. Natalie King. Alongside fellow panelists Osahon Ojeaga (Aja Labs), Dr. Ronak Rughani (L'Oréal USA), and Dr. Ali Syed (Avlon Industries). The panelists discussed how trichologists and scientists can work together to ensure clients receive safe, accurate, and evidence-based guidance.
A major focus of the discussion was how trichologists and cosmetic scientists can collaborate better, evidence-based education. Scientists can provide clarity on hair morphology, environmental factors, intervention mechanisms, and how to interpret instrumental data. Trichologists, in turn, offer invaluable insights into real-world constraints - client routines, texture diversity, protective styles, sensitivities, and lived experience - that often shape outcomes more than ingredients themselves. When both sides compare methods and exchange data, education becomes more realistic, practical, and culturally grounded.
Finally, the panelists spoke about the responsible interpretation of research. The importance of transparent methods, proper normalization of mechanical testing data, realistic effect sizes, meaningful controls, and avoiding common myths was emphasized. A few examples - split-end repair treatments should be applied to tresses rather than single fibers, strength measurements must be normalized to cross-sectional area, and environmental conditions must be reported to avoid misleading conclusions, and so on.
Overall, the panel highlighted a shared commitment to elevating trichology through scientific literacy, rigorous methodology, and open collaboration. Ernesta is grateful to APT for inviting her to join this great discussion and is looking forward to continuing this work to bring laboratory insights closer to everyday client care.