The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has been named the 2026 Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Health Care Heroes Award recipient in the Organization/Program category, a distinction that recognizes programs making an extraordinary impact on the South Florida healthcare community. Presented during the Chamber’s annual awards luncheon on May 14 at Jungle Island in Miami, the honor shines a spotlight on organizations whose work is transforming lives, advancing care, and strengthening the future of health in our region.
For The Miami Project, the award affirms more than four decades of pioneering research, collaboration, and determination in the fight to cure paralysis and improve quality of life for people living not only with traumatic spinal cord and brain injuries, but peripheral nerve injuries and other neurological diseases and disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis and stroke.
Since its founding in 1985, The Miami Project has grown into the world’s leading center for spinal cord injury research, bringing together scientists, physicians, rehabilitation specialists, and innovators to drive discovery from the laboratory to the clinic. Its work has helped reshape the field of neuroprotection, rehabilitation and recovery, while also contributing to broader advances in neuroscience and patient care.
The Organization/Program category is especially meaningful because it honors the collective power of a mission-driven team. At The Miami Project, that team includes investigators, clinicians, students, staff, supporters, and philanthropic partners working side by side with patients and families who inspire the work every day. Together, they have helped establish South Florida as a hub for groundbreaking neuroscience research and innovation, while reinforcing the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s commitment to translating scientific discovery into real-world outcomes.
Accepting the award on behalf of the organization was W. Dalton Dietrich, III, Ph.D., Professor, Neurological Surgery, Neurology, Biomedical Engineering and Cell Biology, Scientific Director, The Miami Project, Kinetic Concepts Distinguished Chair in Neurosurgery, Senior Associate Dean for Discovery Science, and Co-Director, Institute for Neural Engineering. He said the recognition belongs to the many people who have built and sustained the mission of The Miami Project. “We are deeply honored to receive the Greater Miami Chamber’s Health Care Heroes Award in the Organization/Program category,” said Dr. Dietrich. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our scientists, clinicians, staff, and supporters, as well as the courage of the people living with paralysis and other neurological conditions who inspire our work every day. At The Miami Project, we remain committed to advancing discoveries that bring hope, improve recovery, and move us closer to cures.”
The Miami Project is grateful to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for this recognition and to its colleagues at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for the nomination. As the organization celebrates this honor, the award also serves as a reminder that the pursuit of better treatments and cures is powered by partnership, perseverance, and a belief that bold science can change people’s lives. For The Miami Project, being named a Health Care Hero is both a proud milestone and a meaningful reflection of the progress made so far, as it continues steadfast on the work ahead.