The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has introduced RISE – Research, Innovation and Scholarly Engagement, a new initiative designed to cultivate and support the next generation of physician-scientists and research leaders.
Led by Alessia Fornoni, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean for research training and professor of medicine and molecular pharmacology, alongside Alexis Sloan, Ph.D., assistant professor of medical education, the program aims to strengthen the school’s research culture and connect medical students and trainees with meaningful scholarly opportunities.
RISE focuses on building and sustaining research talent by enhancing mentorship, expanding academic development opportunities, and creating clear pathways for students interested in clinician-scientist careers. The initiative supports a continuous research training pipeline, extending from high school and undergraduate programs through early faculty development.
Nationally, the physician-scientist workforce has been declining, with many trainees discouraged by financial pressures, work-life balance challenges, and the complexity of pursuing research careers. RISE seeks to address these barriers by increasing access to mentorship, structured programming, and research funding opportunities.
Key components of the initiative include the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), a 10-week immersive research experience for undergraduate students, as well as medical student programs such as U-SOAR and DREAM, which provide hands-on research experience, financial support, and dedicated mentorship.
The program’s first medical student orientation session drew more than 80 attendees, highlighting strong interest in research engagement across the student body.
Looking ahead, RISE plans to expand collaborations with national organizations to strengthen grant-supported training programs, including mechanisms such as R25, T32, T35, R38, and career development awards, further reinforcing the institution’s commitment to advancing academic medicine and scientific discovery.
