RCMI

PHSU Specialized Center in Health Disparities

Over the past 39 years, funding through the RCMI Program at PHSU has been instrumental in the establishment and development of advanced infrastructure. The RCMI has been a key part in PHSU’s transformation from an essentially graduate education institution to a vigorous scientific research center. The Program’s contribution has helped PHSU’s faculty to increase the number and quality of publications in high-prestige indexed scientific journals in high-visibility forums both locally, nationally, and internationally. This, in turn, has impacted the positioning of the institution at a level of competitiveness that has allowed it to receive multiple grants for research and training from new biomedical scientists.

“We are extremely honored that our RCMI Program has been renewed. Certainly, in a current landscape of so much competitiveness in receiving federal funds for scientific research, this success is clear evidence of the unconditional commitment of our faculty and the quality of the work they do every day. The renovation will allow us to establish and develop a Specialized Center on Health Disparities in the southern part of Puerto Rico.

The main purpose of this Center is to promote translational research (which brings research results directly to quality medical/patient care) with a particular emphasis on the area of health challenges at the local and international level.

Our goal is to address health challenges in vulnerable populations in terms of the distribution of certain diseases, causes of death, risk factors. We are primarily focused on cancer, diabetes, neurological conditions, among others.

About Us

The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program at PHSU is dedicated to advancing biomedical and behavioral research by fostering an inclusive and innovative research environment. Our mission is to enhance research capacity, support cutting-edge scientific discoveries, and address health disparities affecting minority populations.
With state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and robust research support services, the RCMI program provides investigators with the resources they need to excel. We offer funding opportunities, technical assistance, and interdisciplinary collaborations that strengthen research infrastructure and promote impactful discoveries.
Through our commitment to excellence, mentorship, and community engagement, we strive to bridge gaps in healthcare research and improve health outcomes. Whether you are a researcher, student, or community partner, we invite you to join us in driving scientific progress and making a meaningful difference.

Our Goals

The major goal of the proposed Center is to elevate and build upon the established and competent RCMI Center that aims to improve community health

Specific Aims

Enhance Ponce Health Sciences University’s (PHSU) research capacity to conduct world-class basic biomedical, behavioral, population and/or clinical/health services research.
Enable all levels of investigators at the recipient institution to become more successful in obtaining competitive extramural support, especially from NIH, for research on diseases and conditions that disproportionately impact populations health.
Foster an institutional environment conducive to the research career development and enhancement for post-doctoral fellows, junior faculty, and early-stage investigators.
Enhance the tools for and conduct of research generally and specifically for improving health.
Establish sustainable partnerships with community-based organizations to promote research efforts and the dissemination of research findings.