In 2025, many FOMM authors make outstanding contributions to our journal. Their articles published with us have received very well feedback in the field and stimulate a lot of discussions and new insights among the peers.

Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspective and insightful view as authors.

Outstanding Authors (2025)

Anu Babu, Yenepoya Dental College, India

Outstanding Author

Anu Babu

Dr. Anu Babu is a qualified specialist in Oral Medicine and Radiology, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore, India. She is a life member of the Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology (IAOMR) and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Oral Oncology in collaboration with a comprehensive cancer center. Her research focuses on oral cancer, mucosal lesions, oral potentially malignant disorders, and TMJ disorders. Dr. Babu is trained in CBCT reporting and is actively involved in clinical research, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. Her recent projects include the development of a mouth-opening device, proteomic analysis of saliva in oral submucous fibrosis, and the role of molecular markers in assessing treatment response in advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma. She is also mentoring a healthcare start-up developing an AI/ML platform for oral cancer screening. Dr. Babu is passionate about teaching and has received several awards for her contributions to the field. Follow her on LinkedIn.

From Dr. Babu’s perspective, a good academic paper is characterized by clarity and a logical flow of the manuscript, ensuring the research is easily understood and engaging for the readers. It should make a meaningful addition of knowledge by addressing a significant research gap and offering novel insights or solutions. A systematic methodology is crucial, as it demonstrates rigor, reproducibility, and reliability in the research process. Together, she thinks these elements ensure that the paper is both impactful and credible, advancing the field while maintaining accessibility for the intended audience.

In academic writing, Dr. Babu reckons that some of the most encountered difficulties include the lack of time due to balancing teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities, which often limits the ability to dedicate sufficient effort to writing manuscripts. Collating quality evidence is another challenge, as it requires extensive effort to find and synthesize credible, up-to-date, and relevant research to support the study. Additionally, article processing fees charged by many reputable journals can be a financial burden, especially for early-career researchers. Beginners in academia also face pressure to publish frequently to establish their careers, which can sometimes lead to rushed or less impactful work. Other challenges include navigating the peer-review process, maintaining originality, and, for non-native English speakers, achieving clarity and precision in writing. In her opinion, these hurdles highlight the need for better support systems and resources to help researchers succeed in the academic publishing landscape.

“Academic writing enables you to contribute to the vast volume of knowledge in your field, advancing understanding and potentially impacting future research. The process of reading and synthesizing literature broadens your perspective, while critically analysing results enhances your analytical skills. It also provides a platform to communicate complex ideas clearly and engage in meaningful scholarly discourse. Additionally, seeing your work published and cited by others is rewarding, as it validates your efforts and contributes to the collective progress of your discipline,” says Dr. Babu.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)