Dr. Rick Bright Biography
Dr. Rick Bright is an American doctor who was the director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. He served as director from 2016 until April 22, 2020.
He is also the Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Dr. Rick Bright Age
Bright’s age is not known. He has not yet revealed his year and date of birth.
Dr. Rick Bright Wife
There is currently no information on whether Bright is married or not. We will provide this information as soon as it is available.
Dr. Rick Bright Education
Rick Bright went to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where he received his Ph.D. in Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis. He also received his BS BS in Biology (Medical Technology) and Physical Sciences from Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama.
Dr. Rick Bright Net Worth
Rick Bright’s net worth is under review.
Dr. Rick Bright Influenza Vaccine Career
Rick Bright began his career in influenza vaccine and therapeutics development at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Influenza Division.
He focused on avian and human viruses from multiple perspectives including immunology and vaccine development at the CDC. He also focused on viral pathogenesis, molecular correlates of pathogenicity, and antiviral drugs.
Dr. Rick Bright BARDA
Rick Bright joined BARDA in 2010 to lead the BARDA Influenza Division International Program. The program was about supporting programs to build and enhance the global capacity for influenza vaccine production and evaluation in developing countries.
He serves as an international subject matter expert on influenza, vaccines, and therapeutics development and diagnostic programs.
Rick Bright has also served as an advisor to the World Health Organization and the US Department of Defense.
He previously served as Director of the Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases Division in the BARDA. He was responsible for preparing the nation for influenza pandemics and coordinating production, as well as the acquisition and delivery of medical countermeasures during a pandemic response.
Dr. Rick Bright Transfer
On April 22, 2020, Rick Bright was abruptly dismissed fro his post as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, after clashing with the administration on coronavirus treatments.
In a statement, Bright said that believes his transfer was due to his “insistence that the government invest the billions of dollars allocated by Congress to address the COVID-19 pandemic into safe and scientifically vetted solutions, and not in drugs, vaccines and other technologies that lack scientific merit.”
“I am speaking out because to combat this deadly virus, science…not politics or cronyism has to lead the way.
“Rushing blindly towards unproven drugs can be disastrous and result in countless more deaths. Science, in service to the health and safety of the American people, must always trump politics,” he said in a statement.
Dr. Rick Bright Testimony
On May 14, 2020, Dr. Bright testified before the House health subcommittee about “protecting scientific integrity in the COVID-19 response.”
“Americans deserve the truth. The truth must be based on science. We have the world’s greatest scientists. Let us lead. Let us speak without fear of retribution,” he said during his testimony.