The University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus (RCM) has received a prestigious $11.3 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish the Puerto Rico Center for Microbiome Sciences (PR-CMS).
The grant is led by Dr. Filipa Godoy-Vitorino, professor and chair of the Department of Microbiology at our School of Medicine, and a leading microbiome researcher in the region. The PR-CMS leadership team includes distinguished scientists such as Dr. María Sosa, chair of the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology and head of the administrative core, and Dr. Mark Miller, professor of Neurobiology, who directs the faculty development core. RCM Chancellor Dr. Myrna L. Quiñones Feliciano congratulated Dr. Godoy and her team for this achievement, which places RCM and Puerto Rico at the forefront of microbiome science.
The PR-CMS will serve as a pioneering center dedicated to advancing microbial ecology research in Puerto Rico by providing robust scientific infrastructure and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Its mission is to transform Puerto Rico into a center of excellence in microbiome sciences through cutting-edge infrastructure, training programs, and data analysis support for faculty and students developing innovative projects.
By fostering microbiome knowledge and ensuring access to advanced technologies, the Center will empower both basic and clinical researchers at all stages of their careers, while cultivating a diverse scientific workforce to address critical health issues.
In its first phase, PR-CMS will fund three early-career investigators conducting studies on gut microbiota in sleep and aggression (Dr. Roberto Rodríguez), oral microbiota and oral cancer treatments (Dr. Stephanie Dorta), and the role of gut microbiota in epilepsy (Dr. Yancy Ferrer). These multidisciplinary projects will be supported by the Center’s research core and will create new opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The project is expected to impact many more researchers across Puerto Rico during its course.
“Our Center will drive scientific excellence while equipping the next generation of researchers with the tools necessary to lead transformative investigations. This project is highly relevant, as studying microbial communities enables the development of innovative solutions for medical treatment and promotes sustainable strategies for ecosystem conservation,” said Dr. Godoy-Vitorino.
Office of the Chancellor informs the University Community
May 29, 2025
