Dr Stephen D. Nimer Named Researcher of the Year

BioFlorida, a statewide association for Florida’s life sciences industry, has named Stephen D. Nimer, MD, director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, “Researcher of the Year.”

“We are thrilled to honor Dr Nimer for his exceptional dedication to advancing our understanding of leukemia and other myeloid malignancies,” said Nancy K. Bryan, president and CEO of BioFlorida, which represents 8,600 establishments and research organizations in biopharmaceuticals, medical technology, digital health and health. “Dr Nimer’s groundbreaking research not only expands the frontiers of scientific knowledge but also holds the promise of transforming patient care. We’re excited to recognize his commitment to cancer research and his enduring impact on innovation and public health.”

The award recognizes distinguished researchers whose achievements have significantly advanced scientific knowledge, with a proven impact on innovation and public health.

The Future of Cancer Research

Dr Nimer, also professor of medicine, biochemistry and molecular biology, the Oscar de La Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, and executive dean for research at the Miller School, was honored Oct. 13 at BioFlorida’s 26th annual conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

He also participated on a conference bioscience panel, “Next Generation of Combination Treatments in Cancer.”

Norma Sue Kenyon, PhD, vice provost for innovation, University of Miami, chief innovation officer and professor of surgery at the Miller School, took part in the conference’s “One Florida: Driving Growth and Innovation by Working Together” panel discussion.

“Today, a team approach is a fundamental requirement for advancements in cancer research,” said Dr Nimer. “This award reflects the accomplishments of the many faculty, trainees and staff at Sylvester who have pooled their talents to drive our patient-centered research forward.”

As the director of a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, Dr Nimer has hired more than 250 world-class physicians and researchers to create an environment of excellence and collaboration.

Dr Nimer is a physician-scientist who has dedicated his career to conducting extensive clinical and basic science research into the treatment of adult leukemia. During the past 10 years, his laboratory has focused on the epigenetic basis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other myeloid malignancies.

Pivotal Studies

In the past year, Dr Nimer began his second, five-year Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Specialized Center of Research Program grant, working with renowned investigators at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This award supports a breadth of work, from basic laboratory research to therapeutics in the clinic.

Over the past 37 years, Dr Nimer has also received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health. He has conducted clinical and laboratory research on bone marrow failure states and AML, and participated in pivotal clinical trials that led to the FDA approvals of therapeutics for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Therapies are now being tested in patients based on targets identified in his laboratory.

He has written more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific publications, many in high-impact journals including Cell, Science, Nature, Nature Medicine, and Cancer Cell.

BioFlorida’s conference brought the state’s life sciences community together to highlight the latest in science, business and public policy, showcase Florida’s successes and collaborate to accelerate Florida’s life sciences growth.

BioFlorida also launched a new, international partnership further connecting Florida to global markets.