News Release

HHS Names First Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research Development Authority

The Department of Health and Human Services today announced the selection of Robin Robinson, Ph.D., as the first director of the Biomedical Advanced Research Development Authority (BARDA), which was established in 2007 in the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.

“Robin is an excellent choice for BARDA Director,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response RADM Craig Vanderwagen, M.D., USPHS.  “Robin was the strongest candidate to emerge in our nationwide search, and his extensive experience in industry and government concretely demonstrates his ability to succeed.”

In his current role as Deputy Director of BARDA’s Influenza and Emerging Disease Program, Dr. Robinson led the successful development, procurement and stockpiling of the world’s first H5N1 influenza vaccine approved for human use, which was cited by Time Magazine as the number one medical breakthrough in 2007.

“I am delighted that Robin Robinson has been named as the Director of BARDA. Robin brings scientific, public health and industry experience to a position that is critical to our emergency preparedness strategy,” said Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.  “His leadership qualities, keen perspective and broad expertise will contribute greatly to the success of the program.”

BARDA was established in the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in 2007.  BARDA manages Project BioShield, which includes the procurement and advanced development of medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear agents, as well as manages the advanced development and procurement of medical countermeasures for pandemic influenza and other emerging infectious diseases that fall outside the auspices of Project BioShield.

For more information on the Biomedical Advanced Research Development Authority visit  http://www.hhs.gov/aspr/barda/index.html.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last revised: April 14, 2008