Dr Rick Bright | Director of the Influenza Division and Emerging Infectious Disease
HHS/OS/ASPR/BARDA

Dr. Bright is the (Acting) Director of the Influenza Division in the Biomedical Advancement Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Influenza Division is responsible for preparing the Nation for influenza pandemics and coordinating production, acquisition and delivery of medical countermeasures during a pandemic response.  Dr. Bright joined BARDA in 2010 and in his role manages 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.  He also leads 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, vaccine 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 during a nine year combined tenure at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Influenza Division. At the CDC, he focused on avian and human influenza viruses from multiple perspectives including immunology and vaccine development, viral pathogenesis and molecular correlates of pathogenicity, as well as antiviral drugs and the 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 served 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 PhD 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).