IBRA Team

What is the International Biomedical Research Alliance (IBRA)?

The International Biomedical Research Alliance (IBRA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that plays a critical role in advancing global biomedical research. While IBRA does not directly provide research training, it serves as a vital conduit by connecting talented researchers with world-class biomedical research programs. By facilitating collaboration between academia, government, non-profit organizations, and industry leaders, IBRA creates opportunities for young researchers to receive advanced training, mentorship, and resources necessary to excel in their fields.

The IBRA Team is a Conduit for Biomedical Research and Training

IBRA was established with a clear vision: to support the next generation of biomedical researchers by linking them with the resources, partnerships, and programs they need to thrive. The organization’s unique position allows it to serve as an intermediary, facilitating connections between institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Oxford University, Cambridge University, and various industry stakeholders. These partnerships help biomedical researchers engage in collaborative and cross-disciplinary work, pushing the boundaries of innovation in the biomedical sciences.

IBRA’s commitment to fostering biomedical research training means that it identifies and supports promising researchers who are entering critical stages in their academic and professional development. Through IBRA, these researchers gain access to international training programs, leadership development, and funding, ensuring that they are well-prepared to lead groundbreaking biomedical research efforts in the future.

Bridging Academia, Government, Non-Profit, and Industry

What sets IBRA Team apart is its ability to bring together diverse stakeholders from across sectors. Academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry leaders all play an integral role in the biomedical research ecosystem, and IBRA Team excels at facilitating collaboration among these groups. This collaborative approach ensures that biomedical researchers are not only trained in cutting-edge research techniques but also prepared to navigate the broader landscape of public health and biomedical innovation.

One of IBRA’s most successful collaborations is with the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, which offers highly competitive and advanced research opportunities for PhD and MD/PhD students. This unique training model pairs scholars with mentors at both NIH and one of the renowned universities in the UK, allowing for an unparalleled research experience that spans two countries and multiple disciplines.​

IBRA’s Role in Advancing Biomedical Science

The IBRA Team plays a pivotal role in accelerating biomedical research by ensuring that young researchers have the resources and support they need to tackle the world’s most pressing health challenges. From genetics and immunology to cancer research and infectious diseases, IBRA-connected researchers are at the forefront of critical discoveries that have the potential to improve public health outcomes on a global scale.

Through its partnerships with leading institutions, the IBRA Team ensures that its scholars are not only trained in the latest scientific techniques but also receive mentorship from experienced professionals who are leaders in their fields. This combination of hands-on experience and expert guidance helps IBRA-supported researchers make significant contributions to biomedical science throughout their careers.

For example, IBRA has supported over 300 emerging leaders in biomedical research, many of whom have gone on to secure prestigious roles in academia, government agencies, and private industry. These researchers are working on cutting-edge projects that are shaping the future of medicine, from developing new cancer therapies to improving diagnostic tools for genetic diseases.

Read about some of the groundbreaking work being done by IBRA-connected researchers on our Our Impact page.

Support for Researchers Through Funding and Collaboration

One of IBRA’s core offerings is the ability to facilitate funding for researchers through its partnerships with public and private institutions. Biomedical research can be costly, and the financial burden can be a significant barrier for early-career researchers. By providing funding for travel, education, and housing, IBRA ensures that scholars can focus on their research without worrying about financial constraints.

In addition to financial support, IBRA helps researchers establish the professional networks necessary for long-term career success. The organization facilitates collaboration with peers, mentors, and industry leaders, creating an environment where innovative ideas can flourish. By acting as a bridge between emerging researchers and established professionals, IBRA helps ensure that biomedical research continues to progress and address the world’s most urgent health challenges.

IBRA stands as a critical player in the global biomedical research ecosystem. By serving as a conduit between researchers and training opportunities, IBRA ensures that the next generation of biomedical scientists is equipped to drive innovation and make meaningful contributions to global health. Through its collaborative partnerships and focus on leadership development, the IBRA Team is helping to shape the future of biomedical research, one researcher at a time.

Staff & Volunteers

Austin D. Swafford, PhD

Austin D. Swafford, PhD

BIO

 

Austin D. Swafford, Phd

President envelope line icon

Alexandra J. Ambrico

Alexandra J. Ambrico

BIO

Alexandra J. Ambrico

Director of communications, education, & professional development envelope line icon

Jenny Dworzak, MD, PhD

Jenny Dworzak, MD, PhD

BIO

Jenny DWORZAK, MD, PhD

Director of Business Development envelope line icon

Randi Balletta

Randi Balletta

Volunteer Emeritus

Randi Balletta

Volunteer Emeritus envelope line icon

Board of Directors

Leadership

Stephen M. McLean

Stephen M. McLean

BIO

Stephen M. McLean

Chair

Kathryn Zoon, Phd

Kathryn Zoon, Phd

BIO

Kathryn Zoon, PhD

VICE-Chair

Alan Jones

Alan Jones

BIO

Alan Jones

TREASURER

Members

Brian Atwood

Brian Atwood

BIO

Brian Atwood

Director

Brian Brille

Brian Brille

BIO

Brian J. Brille

Director

Jeremy P. Goldberg

Jeremy P. Goldberg

BIO

Jeremy P. Goldberg

Director

Andrew Hamilton, PhD, FRS

Andrew Hamilton, PhD, FRS

Andrew Hamilton, PhD, FRS

Director

Scott Koenig, MD, PhD

Scott Koenig, MD, PhD

BIO

Scott Koenig, MD, PhD

Director

Ralph Korpman, MD

Ralph Korpman, MD

BIO

Ralph Korpman, MD

Director

Geoffrey Lynn, MD, PhD

Geoffrey Lynn, MD, PhD

Geoffrey Lynn, MD, PhD

Director

John Niederhuber, MD

John Niederhuber, MD

BIO

John Niederhuber, MD

Director

Ronn Richard

Ronn Richard

BIO

Ronn Richard

Director

Rupert Vessey, MA, BM BCh, FRCP, DPhil

Rupert Vessey, MA, BM BCh, FRCP, DPhil

BIO

Rupert Vessey, MA, BM BCh, FRCP, DPhil

Director

Alumni Directors

Sabrina M. Heman-Ackah, MD, PhD

Sabrina M. Heman-Ackah, MD, PhD

BIO

Sabrina M. Heman-Ackah, Md, PhD

Alumni Director

Justin D. Lathia, PhD

Justin D. Lathia, PhD

BIO

Justin D. Lathia, PhD

Alumni Director

Adam Knight, PhD

Adam Knight, PhD

Founder and CBO at Neuron23

Adam Knight, PhD

Alumni Director

Coralie Viollet

Coralie Viollet

Coralie Viollet, Dphil

Alumni Director

Emeritus Directors

Ralph Synderman, MD

Ralph Synderman, MD

BIO

Ralph Snyderman, MD

Director Emeritus

P. Roy Vagelos, MD

P. Roy Vagelos, MD

BIO

P. Roy Vagelos, MD

Director Emeritus

Key Partners

NIH Advisors

Michael Lenardo, MD

Michael Lenardo, MD

BIO

Michael Lenardo, MD

Senior Advisor envelope line icon

Daniel Reich, MD, PhD

Daniel Reich, MD, PhD

BIO

Daniel Reich, MD, PhD

NIH Liaison envelope line icon

NIH Oxford-Cambridge Program Directors

Mary Dasso, PhD

Mary Dasso, PhD

BIO

Mary Dasso, PhD

Co-Scientific Director

Elodie Ghedin, PhD

Elodie Ghedin, PhD

BIO

Elodie Ghedin, PhD

Co-Scientific Director

Frank Maldarelli, MD, PhD

Frank Maldarelli, MD, PhD

BIO

Frank Maldarelli, MD, PhD

Director, NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program

Kristi Porter, PhD

Kristi Porter, PhD

BIO

Kristi Porter, PhD

Managing Director & Director of Recruitment

Michael Dustin, PhD

Michael Dustin, PhD

BIO

Michael Dustin, PhD

Oxford Director

Clare Bryant, PhD

Clare Bryant, PhD

BIO

CLARE BRYANT, PhD

Cambridge Director