Investigators at the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine and the University of Miami Health System were awarded 12 grants totaling $13,170,784 from the Florida Department of Health’s 2016-17 Zika Research Grant Initiative.
“I am proud to announce the recipients of these important research grants today. While we are currently in winter months when Zika is not as prevalent, we must remain vigilant and continue to do everything we can to help protect pregnant women and their developing babies,” Florida Gov. Rick Scott said. “I look forward to seeing the innovation and progress of Florida’s world-class research institutions as we continue to work together in the fight against Zika and to find a vaccine.”
The University of Miami grants represent more than half of the $25 million in grants the state is using to support 34 Zika research projects at various institutions.
These grants support projects that have the potential to quickly advance science and benefit patients, Daniel Armstrong, director of the Mailman Center for Child Development and chair of the Florida Biomedical Research Advisory Council, said.
“It is clear that the Miller School, UHealth and other Florida investigators are leading in innovation and impact, and increased funding support is needed to bring the best of science to patients who will benefit,” Armstrong said.
The Zika Research Grant Initiative focused on vaccine development, diagnostic testing or therapeutics, and health effects of Zika. It also included discovery science, clinical studies, screening and prevention, and dynamic change team science studies.
“I am grateful for Governor Scott’s leadership that enables us to provide researchers in Florida funds to expand the body of knowledge related to Zika, particularly in the areas of prevention and effects on infants and children,” Celeste Philip, state surgeon general and secretary, said.