FIU RCMI: Advancing HIV, substance-use, and aging-related brain health in minority communities
Official title: The FIU Research Center in a Minority Institution (FIU-RCMI)
Funded at Florida International University · NIH-11385944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A national program at FIU to support research on HIV, substance use, and brain health in minority communities, with a focus on training new investigators and partnering with local communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2017 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $641,867 |
| NIH project number | 5U54MD012393-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals living with HIV or affected by substance-use issues in minority communities, including older adults at risk for cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
People without HIV or substance-use exposure, or those outside the targeted minority communities, may not directly benefit from this program.
What this research studies
This grant funds FIU’s Research Center in Minority Institutions to grow clinical and behavioral research, especially around HIV and substance use, while mentoring early-career researchers. It emphasizes community partnerships, pilot studies, and expanding two core research projects that cover basic biomedical, behavioral, and health services aspects. The center also aims to sustain and broaden participation from diverse populations, helping patients and communities affected by HIV and related cognitive concerns. The work is designed to build a longer-term platform for translational research that could inform better care and prevention strategies. The renewal highlights mentorship, collaboration, and expansion of research scope to include aging and Alzheimer-related considerations within the affected communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could accelerate new treatments, prevention strategies, and care approaches for people with HIV, substance-use challenges, and related cognitive health concerns in minority populations.
How similar studies have gone: Prior FIU-RCMI activities have built a strong track record in community-engaged research and investigator development, suggesting potential for meaningful progress with renewed support.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida International University
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wagner, Eric F — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Wagner, Eric F
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.