Team Research Forum: Introduction to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
Interested in advancing innovative technologies for public health preparedness and response? This webinar provides an overview on the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and its role in supporting the development of medical countermeasures, diagnostics, therapeutics, and related technologies.
In this session, Brian Tse of the Conafay Group provides an overview of BARDA’s mission, funding mechanisms, areas of interest, and practical guidance for engaging with the agency. This session is ideal for researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, and industry partners interested in exploring federal funding and partnership opportunities. You will also learn how BARDA can help accelerate the development and commercialization of technologies that strengthen national health security.
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Brian Tse
Senior Vice President, The Conafay Group
Brian is a biomedical development professional with over a decade of experience advancing medical countermeasures and health security technologies across drugs, biologics, devices, and diagnostics. He spent 11 years at the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) as a Project Officer within the CBRN Countermeasures Division, where he led programs spanning antibacterial, chemical, radiological/nuclear, and burn injury areas from preclinical through clinical development. Multiple projects under his leadership achieved FDA approval, licensure, or clearance, and he contributed to federal procurement efforts via Project BioShield.
His portfolio included establishing new investment areas (e.g., skin substitutes, blood products, non-traditional antibacterials), with a strong focus in his later years on antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic development. He also held leadership and operational roles, including serving as interim Chief of Staff (2017–2018) and contributing to emergency response initiatives such as Ebola vaccine trial deployment and the COVID-19 Operation Warp Speed Plasma Team.
Brian’s background includes policy fellowships (AAAS, National Academies) and academic experience teaching chemistry at Harvard. He holds a Ph.D. in chemistry (organic/chemical biology) from Harvard University and a B.S. in chemistry/medicinal chemistry from the University at Buffalo.
