Committed to excellence as a member of the Association of American Universities and No. 1 in the state for funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the University of Miami is one of the top universities in neuroscience and aging in the United States, including South Florida. They are some of the most complex conditions facing the human population.
Investments over the next five years will create a new program in computational biology within the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, the Department of Psychology, the Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, and the Frost Institute for Data Science and Computing.
University of Miami CEO and Acting President Joe Echevarria believes the university’s investment in basic science research is an example of the university’s mission fulfillment as a result of teamwork across schools and colleges that began this summer. I am.
We are focused on providing world-class education, research and patient care. This investment, essential to advancing all three fronts, will ultimately benefit the patients, students, and broader communities we serve. ”
Joe Echevarria, University of Miami CEO and Acting President
Translational medicine, the providence of many academic medical institutions, is concerned with “translating” the discoveries of basic science research into clinical applications; The University of Miami’s enhanced emphasis on basic science research increases the potential for discoveries that will revolutionize science and shape the future of clinical interventions, providing unique opportunities for students pursuing careers in the scientific and healing professions. is provided.
“This investment, which includes important research in the fields of neuroscience and aging, embodies the University of Miami’s long-term commitment to impactful research that benefits society,” said Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and said Dean Guillermo “Willy” Prado.
The Miller School expects this funding will bring together scientific luminaries in neuroscience and aging to more effectively fulfill its mission of providing quality, patient-centered care.
Dr. Henry Ford, dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School, said, “We invest in basic research in neuroscience and aging because it is where we are truly unique and impactful. It’s a field where I can do it,” he said.
“This is in part because Miami is located at the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean,” Ford said. “And that’s partly because of the unique population we have here and the opportunity to turn basic discoveries into interventions that can be applied to diverse populations, which most other institutions It’s an advantage that we don’t enjoy to the same extent.”
Computational biology has emerged as an important field to help advance neuroscience and aging research at the Miller School. Computational biology, used to simulate and model biological systems, is an NIH funding priority. This program advances neuroscience and aging research at the University by providing insight into the biological properties of proteins and cells involved in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
“This investment in basic science will advance our institutions and foster team science and fundamental discoveries that can one day improve the health of our communities,” said Miller School Director of Research and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. said Director Dr. Steven Niemer.
Investments in advanced computational infrastructure and scientific expertise will help university researchers create models from biological, genomic, and clinical findings. These models can be used to predict disease risk, aid drug discovery, and tailor patient treatment. In fact, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was recently awarded to researchers who have used computational biology to define protein structures, advancing drug discovery and other benefits.
“The benefits of this investment are limitless. With luminaries at the helm, we will develop a powerful program to begin discoveries,” said Ford. “These discoveries will attract companies who want to invest and fund life-saving clinical trials. At the same time, we are attracting more talent and educating the next generation of scientists to advance this research. Masu.”
