Rick Bright

Rick Bright, Ph.D., is director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and acting Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response within HHS. BARDA develops and provides medical countermeasures to man-made and natural threats including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. BARDA meets this mission by supporting product innovation, advanced development, acquisition and stockpiling, and building manufacturing infrastructure. Dr. Bright previously served as Director of the Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases Division in the BARDA where he was responsible for preparing the nation for influenza pandemics and coordinating production, acquisition, and delivery of medical countermeasures during a pandemic response. In this role, he managed a portfolio of projects for advanced development of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and respirator devices to aid in the response and protection against pandemic and seasonal influenza. Dr. Bright joined BARDA in 2010 to lead the BARDA Influenza Division International Program, supporting programs to build and enhance global capacity for influenza vaccine production and evaluation in developing countries. Dr. Bright serves as an international subject matter expert on influenza, vaccines and therapeutics development and diagnostic programs. He has also served as an advisor to the World Health Organization and the US Department of Defense. Dr. Bright began his career in influenza vaccine and therapeutics development at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Influenza Division. At the CDC, he focused on avian and human viruses from multiple perspectives including immunology and vaccine development, viral pathogenesis and molecular correlates of pathogenicity, as well as antiviral drugs and development novel assays for high throughput surveillance for resistance to antiviral drugs. Dr. Bright was a recipient of the Charles C. Shepard Science Award for Scientific Excellence. Dr. Bright has also worked in the biotechnology industry where he serves as the Director of Immunology at Altea Therapeutics and Vice President of Research and Development and Global Influenza Programs at Novavax, Inc. In 2008, Dr. Bright joined PATH as the Scientific Director of the Influenza Vaccine Project in the Vaccine Development Global Program and the Director of the Influenza Vaccine Capacity Building Project in Vietnam. In this capacity, he provided technical leadership to accelerate the development of innovative vaccine and adjuvant candidates against influenza to ensure protection and access to vaccines for populations of developing countries. Dr. Bright received his Ph.D. in Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis from Emory University (Atlanta, GA) and his BS in Biology (Medical Technology) and Physical Sciences from Auburn University (Montgomery, AL).