Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Wins 2026 Health Care Heroes Award for Transforming Neuroscience and Patient Care
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine earns top regional recognition for its decades-long impact advancing spinal cord research, neurological care and patient recovery.
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. The distinction recognizes programs making an extraordinary impact on the South Florida health care 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.
Four Decades of Advancing Spinal Cord Injury Research
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, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (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.
A Collaborative Model Driving Innovation in Neuroscience
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 Miller School’s commitment to translating scientific discovery into real-world outcomes.
W. Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D., scientific director of The Miami Project and professor of neurological surgery, neurology, biomedical engineering and cell biology at the Miller School, 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, also Kinetic Concepts Distinguished Chair in Neurosurgery, senior associate dean for discovery science and co-director of the Institute for Neural Engineering at the Miller School. “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.”
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.
More from the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis
With a new grant, the Miami Project aims to personalize transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation treatment for spinal cord injuries.
A Miami‑hosted neuromodulation symposium highlights advances in spinal cord injury research, clinical trials and patient‑centered outcomes.
A Miami Project to Cure Paralysis study finds Schwann cell–derived exosomes boost regeneration in severe peripheral nerve injuries.
A new deep brain stimulation strategy developed at The Miami Project improves walking in Parkinson’s disease and perhaps spinal cord injury.
Tags: Dr. W. Dalton Dietrich III, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Health Care Heroes, Institute for Neural Engineering, neurological surgery, neurology, neuroscience, spinal cord injuries, spinal surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis