Securing Research Funding in a Competitive Landscape with Cathyryne Manner v1

Synopsis: Securing grant funding is one of the greatest challenges in scientific research, particularly for investigators with limited experience developing competitive proposals and obtaining support from major funders. Drawing on 13 years of experience awarding research grants across infectious and noncommunicable diseases, Cathyryne (Cathy) Manner will share practical guidance on identifying suitable funding opportunities, assessing competitiveness, building strong collaborations, and developing compelling grant applications. She will also discuss how to align proposals with funders’ priorities and exceed reviewers’ expectations. In addition, Cathy will provide an overview of BVGH Learn, which offers on-demand courses designed to strengthen professional skills and enhance funding competitiveness. Bio: Cathyryne (Cathy) Manner leads BVGH’s infectious disease programs and strategy, and plays key roles in communications and new program development. She has over 20 years of experience in catalyzing and managing partnerships to promote research, advance product development, and improve health for infectious and noncommunicable diseases. Before joining BVGH, Cathy worked in grant making at the (USA) state and federal levels for 13 years. As a Senior Program Officer at the Washington State Life Sciences Discovery Fund, she co-led grant program development, technology evaluation, award management, and communications. Cathy also provided programmatic, scientific, and grant management support to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs as a Program Coordinator at SAIC (now Leidos). Cathy received her BS in Biochemistry (with highest honors) from the University of California, Davis, and her PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of California, San Diego.