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 [Awards & Rankings](/categories/awards-rankings)

 # Smile Train-Supported Research Recognized With Prestigious Best Paper Award in Leading Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal

 


 

 Jul 29, 2026 3:30 PM ET

  ![A few members of Smile Train's Medical Advisory Board presenting at Cleft 2025](https://3blcdn.com/styles/carousel_2x/s3/2026-07/Dr.%20Cate%20Crowley_1785352752.jpg)

 

 ![Dr. Catherine Crowley presenting at Cleft Con 2025](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/Dr.%20Cate%20Crowley%202.jpg) 

[Smile Train](https://www.smiletrain.org/), the world's largest cleft-focused organization, is celebrating international recognition for groundbreaking research that advances speech care for children with cleft lip and palate.

An article authored by [Dr. Catherine (Cate) Crowley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-cate-crowley-a551b92a/), a member of [Smile Train's Global Medical Advisory Board](https://www.smiletrain.org/medical-professionals/medical-advisory-board), has received the Best Paper Award in the Pediatric/Craniofacial category from Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS). PRS is the official publication of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and is one of the world's leading peer-reviewed medical journals in plastic surgery.

The [award-winning paper](https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/fulltext/10.1097/prs.0000000000012374~improving-speech-outcomes-in-low--and-middle-income) was published as part of a special cleft-focused edition of PRS sponsored by Smile Train. Released in October, the issue brought together research from Smile Train partners and Global Medical Advisory Board members highlighting innovations in comprehensive cleft care and showcasing the organization's global impact.

Dr. Crowley's research explores an innovative, evidence-based approach to speech intervention that has already been adopted by many Smile Train partners around the world. The recognition underscores the growing importance of comprehensive cleft care and interdisciplinary treatment models that address not only surgery, but also the speech, nutrition, dental, psychosocial, and long-term needs of children born with clefts.

"This award reflects the expertise of our Medical Advisory Board members and the incredible work of our global network of partners by reinforcing the importance of evidence-based, multidisciplinary cleft care," said Sara Horne, Director of Education and Training and Global Speech and Hearing Lead at Smile Train. "We are proud to see this research recognized by one of the field's most respected journals."

The honor highlights the organization's continued investment in research, innovation, and local capacity building to improve cleft care worldwide. By supporting clinicians, researchers, and multidisciplinary teams, Smile Train helps expand access to high-quality, comprehensive care for children and families in more than 75 countries.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [![Smle Train logo](/sites/default/files/2026-06/Smile%20Train_2026.png)](/profiles/smile-train)

 



 

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