University of Miami invests in neuroscience, aging

The University of Miami has pledged to invest more than $30 million to bolster basic science research targeting neuroscience and aging.

Over the next five years, the investment will create a program in computational biology within the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and build collaborations across multiple university departments and institutes, including the Department of Psychology, the Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, and the Frost Institute for Data Science and Computing.

University of Miami CEO and President Joe Echevarria says he views the university’s investment in basic science research as an example of mission fulfillment that which resulted from teamwork across UM schools and colleges initiated this summer.

“Our focus is on delivering world-class education, research, and patient care,” he said. “This investment, which is essential to progress on all three of those fronts, will ultimately benefit the population we serve – patients, students, and the wider community.”

While translational medicine, the providence of many academic health institutions, works to “translate” discoveries from basic science research into clinical applications, basic science research makes those fundamental discoveries, said Guillermo “Willy” Prado, interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. An increased focus on basic science research at UM increases the potential of findings that revolutionize science, shape the future of clinical interventions, and provide unique opportunities for students pursuing careers in science and healing professions, he said.

“This investment, involving critical study in the areas of neuroscience and aging, exemplifies the University of Miami’s long-term commitment to impactful research that benefits society,” he added.

The Miller School says it anticipates that the funding will help attract scientific luminaries in neuroscience and aging and more effectively deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.

“We’re investing in fundamental research in neuroscience and aging because that’s an area where we can truly be distinctive and impactful,” said Dr. Henri Ford, dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. “In part, this is because of the location of Miami at the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. And in part, it’s because of the unique population we have here and the opportunity to translate fundamental discoveries into interventions that can be applicable to a diverse group of people, an advantage that most other institutions don’t enjoy to the same extent we do.”

Computational biology has emerged as a key area that would help advance neuroscience and aging research at the Miller School. Used to simulate and model biological systems, computational biology is a funding priority for the National Institutes of Health, according to Stephen Nimer, executive dean for research at the Miller School and director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The program will advance neuroscience and aging research at the university by providing insight into the biological properties of proteins and cells that play a role in aging and neurogenerative disorders.

“This investment in basic sciences will elevate our institution, promoting team science and fundamental discoveries that can someday improve the health of our community,” Dr. Nimer said.

Investing in advanced computation infrastructure and scientific expertise will help UM researchers create models from biological, genomic, and clinical findings. These models can be used to predict disease risk, aid in drug discovery, and tailor patient treatment, Dr. Ford added.