Melissa Lena

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Viewing 15 posts - 31 through 45 (of 51 total)
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  • Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Reminder: Register for next Monday’s Federal Policy webinar

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    Hello, HRA Members,

    We will be hosting a webinar titled Continuing the Discussion: Impact of Federal Policy Changes on the Biomedical Workforce on Monday, May 11th from 1pm-2pm ET.

    This follow-up webinar builds on the HRA November Members Meeting session, Navigating Shifts: Impact of Federal Policy Changes on the Biomedical Workforce, bringing back cross-sector leaders to continue the conversation. As federal priorities, funding, and regulations evolve, their effects on biomedical research, and the workforce behind it, are becoming increasingly significant, particularly for early career pathways and workforce development programs. This session will offer deeper insight into emerging trends, real-time challenges, and actionable strategies to help nonprofit research funders and stakeholders navigate uncertainty, strengthen talent pipelines, and sustain long-term impact in a rapidly changing research environment.

    Click here for more information and the registration link.

    Kind regards,
    Melissa
    Melissa Lena | Operations Manager
    Health Research Alliance
    she/her/hers
    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Reminder: We’re still collecting feedback for the 2026 HRA Members Survey and would appreciate your input!

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    Dear HRA Members,

    The Health Research Alliance (HRA) is conducting a survey of its members. This survey is the first full membership survey since 2021, and the survey is a comprehensive questionnaire covering the last five years. It will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

    When all surveys are complete, HRA will provide an aggregate report on the current state of non-profit grantmaking among members with a focus on timely topics such as the use of AI, open science, and adjusting to federal policy. Most importantly, the survey will provide meaningful feedback on HRA’s resources and activities so we can continue to improve the value of HRA membership!

    We hope you will take this opportunity for your voice to be heard. We encourage multiple individuals from the same member organizations to take the survey! If you do not know the answer to a question about your organization, please choose the “I don’t know” option – we do not expect you to have to consult others to complete this survey!

    We recognize that 30 minutes is a lot of time for a survey. After we establish some baseline data this year, we hope to conduct shorter annual surveys moving forward. As an incentive, we will have a drawing for three $100 Amazon gift cards for those who complete the entire survey. If you would like to enter the drawing, please enter your name at the end of the survey or email Kristy ([email protected]) stating you completed the survey.

    Please access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HRA26MS and complete the survey by Friday, May 8th, 2026.

    Thank you for your willingness to participate in the 2026 HRA Member Survey! We look forward to receiving your feedback!

    Many thanks,
    Melissa

    Melissa Lena | Operations Manager
    Health Research Alliance
    [email protected]
    http://www.healthra.org

    she/her/hers

    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Dear HRA members,

    The Spring 2026 Health Research Alliance Members Meeting starts today!

    The meeting will be virtual via Zoom, with sessions scheduled throughout the days from April 13th-16th.

    There’s still time to register. Please register for each session separately; Zoom registration links can be found on the agenda (linked here and also on the event page).

    We look forward to seeing you soon! Please reach out with any questions.
    Kind regards,
    Melissa

    Melissa Lena | Operations Manager
    Health Research Alliance
    she/her/hers
    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Reminder: Register Now for next week’s Spring 2026 Health Research Alliance Members Meeting

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    Dear HRA members,

    Registration for the Spring 2026 Health Research Alliance Members Meeting is now open!

    The meeting will be virtual via Zoom, with sessions scheduled throughout the days from April 13th-16th.

    Please register for each session separately; Zoom registration links can be found on the agenda (linked here and also on the event page).

    We look forward to seeing you soon! Please reach out with any questions.

    Kind regards,

    Melissa

    Melissa Lena | Operations Manager
    Health Research Alliance
    she/her/hers
    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Hello, HRA Members,

    The Zoom recording from this webinar is now available to view here: Lost in Translation: Bridging the Gap Between Non-Dilutive Funders and Investors in new Therapeutic, Medical Device and Diagnostic Tool Development [April 7, 2026].

    As a reminder, most of our webinars are recorded and available to view on our Resources For Members page.

    Thank you,
    Melissa

    Melissa Lena | Operations Manager
    Health Research Alliance
    she/her/hers
    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Reminder: Register Now for next week’s Spring 2026 Health Research Alliance Members Meeting

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    Dear HRA members,

    Registration for the Spring 2026 Health Research Alliance Members Meeting is now open!

    The meeting will be virtual via Zoom, with sessions scheduled throughout the days from April 13th-16th.

    Please register for each session separately; Zoom registration links can be found on the agenda (linked here and also on the event page).

    We look forward to seeing you soon! Please reach out with any questions.

    Kind regards,
    Melissa

    Melissa Lena | Operations Manager
    Health Research Alliance
    she/her/hers
    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Reminder – Therapeutic Development Learning Community Webinar tomorrow 12pm ET

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    Hello, HRA Members,

    The Therapeutic Development Learning Community will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, April 7th, from 12pm-1pm ET (9:00AM MST (Phoenix),10:00 AM MDT).

    Lost in Translation: Bridging the Gap Between Non-Dilutive Funders and Investors in new Therapeutic, Medical Device and Diagnostic Tool Development
    As funders of early-stage medical research, HRA member organizations play a pivotal role in moving promising science from the lab toward real-world impact. A journey that everyone agrees takes too long and costs too much. This webinar is designed to help close one underappreciated gap in that process: the difference in how non-dilutive funders i.e. NIH and philanthropic grant-making organizations and dilutive investors such as angels and venture capitalists understand and use the same language.
    Terms like milestones, progress, pivot, timeline and success may sound universal, but they carry very different meanings and expectations depending on who is at the table. By bridging this understanding gap, we can set clearer expectations with our grantees, design more effective funding strategies, and ultimately deploy our resources in ways that move more promising therapies from discovery to the point where larger investors are ready to step in and take them forward.
    Thank you,
    Melissa

    Melissa Lena | Operations Manager
    Health Research Alliance
    she/her/hers
    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Dear HRA members,

    This is a reminder that:

    Registration for the Spring 2026 Health Research Alliance Members Meeting is now open!

    The meeting will be virtual via Zoom, with sessions scheduled throughout the days from April 13th-16th.

    Please register for each session separately; Zoom registration links can be found on the agenda (linked here and also on the event page).

    We look forward to seeing you soon! Please reach out with any questions.
    Kind regards,
    Melissa

    Melissa Lena | Operations Manager
    Health Research Alliance
    she/her/hers
    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Reminder: Tomorrow –

    Grants Administration Learning Community Open Mic – Thursday, March 26th, 3pm-4pm ET

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    Dear HRA Members,

    The next Grants Administration Learning Community Open Mic will be Thursday, March 26th, 3pm-4pm ET.

    Topic: Building and Sustaining an Impactful Scientific Advisory Board

    Join us in this session as we dive into the mechanics of establishing a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and their vital role in helping organizational success in accelerating research progress. We will explore the “how-to’s” of vetting and oversight, compare the unique responsibilities of an SAB versus a review committee, and share best practices for member compensation and term rotations.

    Click here to register on Zoom.

    To see upcoming open mics, click here for the 2026 Grants Administration Learning Community Events Schedule.

    Thank you,
    Melissa

    Melissa Lena | Operations Manager
    Health Research Alliance
    she/her/hers
    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    HRA Peer Circles Program – signup deadline tomorrow – Wednesday, March 25th

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    Dear HRA members,

    We would like to extend the opportunity to the HRA community to sign up for the next cycle of the HRA Peer Circles Program. Please see below for more information.

    What are Peer Circles?

    As part of the Health Research Alliance’s Professional Development Program, Peer Circles provide an opportunity to enhance your professional capacity and network. Peer Circles meet regularly to discuss various topics related to navigating the professional world and achieving career goals. These meetings aim to build community among individuals at similar career stages and allow group members to learn from each other and build their network. Peer Circles also provide a forum to support others in finding solutions to challenges faced in the workplace. Members can help their peers reflect on the issues at hand with new perspectives, allowing them each to develop a path forward.

    Who are the members of a Peer Circle?

    Peer Circles will be made up of groups of ~4-7 individuals from different Health Research Alliance (HRA) member organizations with similar career roles.

    How often should Peer Circles meet?

    Once circles are formed, circles should schedule virtual meetings approximately monthly. Each group will be responsible for scheduling their own meetings. Participants must do their best to attend all meetings of the circle, with the understanding that personal and professional emergencies may arise.

    What is the duration of the program?

    Individuals are expected to participate in the program for a duration of 6 months (April-September)

    Are there any other expectations I should keep in mind?

    • All discussions within Peer Circles should remain respectful and confidential.
    • Participants will be asked to respond to a brief final evaluation survey at the end of the program.

    How do I sign up to be a member of a Peer Circle?

    If you are interested in joining, please submit the Spring 2026 Peer Circles Signup Form.

    The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, March 25th. There is no limit to the number who can participate per each member organization.

    Whom should I contact with general questions?

    For questions, contact [email protected].

    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    HRA Peer Circles Program – signup deadline extended to Wednesday, March 25th

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    Dear HRA members,

    We would like to extend the opportunity to the HRA community to sign up for the next cycle of the HRA Peer Circles Program. Please see below for more information.

    What are Peer Circles?

    As part of the Health Research Alliance’s Professional Development Program, Peer Circles provide an opportunity to enhance your professional capacity and network. Peer Circles meet regularly to discuss various topics related to navigating the professional world and achieving career goals. These meetings aim to build community among individuals at similar career stages and allow group members to learn from each other and build their network. Peer Circles also provide a forum to support others in finding solutions to challenges faced in the workplace. Members can help their peers reflect on the issues at hand with new perspectives, allowing them each to develop a path forward.

    Who are the members of a Peer Circle?

    Peer Circles will be made up of groups of ~4-7 individuals from different Health Research Alliance (HRA) member organizations with similar career roles.

    How often should Peer Circles meet?

    Once circles are formed, circles should schedule virtual meetings approximately monthly. Each group will be responsible for scheduling their own meetings. Participants must do their best to attend all meetings of the circle, with the understanding that personal and professional emergencies may arise.

    What is the duration of the program?

    Individuals are expected to participate in the program for a duration of 6 months (April-September)

    Are there any other expectations I should keep in mind?

    • All discussions within Peer Circles should remain respectful and confidential.
    • Participants will be asked to respond to a brief final evaluation survey at the end of the program.

    How do I sign up to be a member of a Peer Circle?

    If you are interested in joining, please submit the Spring 2026 Peer Circles Signup Form.

    The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, March 25th. There is no limit to the number who can participate per each member organization.

    Whom should I contact with general questions?

    For questions, contact [email protected].

    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Reminder: Members Roundtable on Federal Policy – Monday, March 23rd from 1pm-2pm ET

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    Hello HRA Members,

    We will be hosting a Federal Policy Members Roundtable on Monday, March 23rd from 1pm-2pm ET.

    2025 brought many federal policy concerns for biomedical research funders. The 2026 budget has been approved, avoiding some concerning proposed cuts to science funding, but continuing threats to research remain. HRA invites all members to come together for a Members Roundtable on “Navigating a New Year.” We want to hear from our members: What has changed in your organization in the last year? What has remained the same? What are your plans for 2026? Please come prepared to share and collaborate!
    Please note: This meeting will not be recorded.
    Thank you,
    Melissa
    Melissa Lena | Operations Manager
    Health Research Alliance
    she/her/hers
    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Last Call Reminder – Grants Administration Learning Community Open Mic Next Week
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    Webinar | Grants Administration Community: 2026 Kick-off and Looking Ahead – Wednesday, February 25th | 2:00-3:00pm ET


    Dear HRA Members,

    The next Grants Administration Community meeting is on Wednesday, February 25th, and will be a kick-off call for 2026. We will be sharing our accomplishments in 2025 and will be looking at the year ahead. As always, our programming is designed to bring greatest interest/benefit to HRA members, so we need your input! We will discuss continuing our monthly open mic webinars and solicit topics of interest.

    To register, click here for the event page with Zoom registration link.

    Pending continued member interest, the Grants Admin Community will plan to hold recurring monthly webinars in an open mic-style format—unless there is a topic that lends itself to an invited expert speaker(s)—around two or three pre-planned topics based on common listserv questions and per member request to spark candid discussion. These webinars are not limited to the scheduled topics, and will unfold as the conversation dictates, offering common problems and potential (ideally evidence-based) solutions.

    Please see and add to the running list of topics here.

    Lastly, we’d like to share the link to the revised HRA Grants Administration Handbook for your awareness and reference. We encourage sharing this to other staff in your organization who may find it helpful. Please feel free to send us your feedback if you have any comments or additional content you may want to include. Log in to the HRA site is required to access the handbook.

    We look forward to seeing you on February 25!

    Best regards,

    Sonia and Orlando

    Co-Chairs, HRA Grants Administration Community

    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Reminder – Grants Administration Learning Community Open Mic Next Week
    ———————–

    Webinar | Grants Administration Community: 2026 Kick-off and Looking Ahead – Wednesday, February 25th | 2:00-3:00pm ET


    Dear HRA Members,

    The next Grants Administration Community meeting is on Wednesday, February 25th, and will be a kick-off call for 2026. We will be sharing our accomplishments in 2025 and will be looking at the year ahead. As always, our programming is designed to bring greatest interest/benefit to HRA members, so we need your input! We will discuss continuing our monthly open mic webinars and solicit topics of interest.

    To register, click here for the event page with Zoom registration link.

    Pending continued member interest, the Grants Admin Community will plan to hold recurring monthly webinars in an open mic-style format—unless there is a topic that lends itself to an invited expert speaker(s)—around two or three pre-planned topics based on common listserv questions and per member request to spark candid discussion. These webinars are not limited to the scheduled topics, and will unfold as the conversation dictates, offering common problems and potential (ideally evidence-based) solutions.

    Please see and add to the running list of topics here.

    Lastly, we’d like to share the link to the revised HRA Grants Administration Handbook for your awareness and reference. We encourage sharing this to other staff in your organization who may find it helpful. Please feel free to send us your feedback if you have any comments or additional content you may want to include. Log in to the HRA site is required to access the handbook.

    We look forward to seeing you on February 25!

    Best regards,

    Sonia and Orlando

    Co-Chairs, HRA Grants Administration Community

    Melissa Lena
    Keymaster

    Reminder – Federal Policy Webinar tomorrow, Feb. 19th 1pm-2pm ET

    Webinar Title: US Policy Impact on Cancer Research and Medical Science: How AACR is working with the broader advocacy community to defend medical research
    Date/Time: 2/19/26 1-2PM ET

    Register Now – Event page with Zoom registration link

    Description:

    For decades, the National Institutes of Health has been the nation’s cornerstone of medical research, driving basic discoveries that have led to groundbreaking treatments, increasing survival rates, and enhanced quality of life for patients. However, during the past year, we have witnessed major changes throughout the entire medical research enterprise, including within NIH’s scientific workforce. Additionally, funding freezes for leading research institutions across our nation, and ongoing disruptions of and restrictions on NIH’s efforts to work in partnership with the broader scientific community has created additional challenges.

    As a result of this truly unprecedented and challenging time for medical research and cancer science, AACR has been partnered with the entire scientific community and has been fiercely advocating for its members—especially for the young investigators for whom this situation is particularly devastating. Please join this session to learn how AACR redoubled its advocacy efforts during the past year to underscore the importance of robust and sustained federal funding to support NIH and its lifesaving mission to accelerate progress for patients with cancer and the hundreds of other diseases that afflict millions of Americans.

    Speaker:
    Jon Retzlaff, MBA, MPA
    Chief Policy Officer, and Vice President, Science Policy and Government Affairs
    American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

    Jon Retzlaff oversees the government affairs, science policy, and patient advocacy activities for the AACR in Washington, D.C. In this role, he works closely with the AACR Science Policy and Government Affairs Committee to devise and implement strategies to influence important biomedical research-related public policy issues with the goal of accelerating the prevention and cure of all cancers. Previously, he worked on Capitol Hill and held senior roles at NIH and for the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).

Viewing 15 posts - 31 through 45 (of 51 total)