Non-profit research funders are seeing unprecedented growth in grant submissions as needs of the research community rise and federal funding landscapes and priorities shift. This session will explore practical strategies for these organizations to manage increasing application volume while upholding fairness and scientific rigor. Panelists will discuss approaches to easing reviewer load, the responsible use of AI tools to support (not replace) human review, and when Letters of Intent (LOIs) can help reduce burden for both applicants and reviewers. The session will also explore how to refine program strategy amid growing demands for funding.
Moderator
- David Leyden
Speakers
-
Jessica M. Biddinger
National Senior Director, Research & Grants Administration
American Heart AssociationJessica Biddinger is a National Senior Director of Research & Grants Administration at the American Heart Association, bringing more than 15 years of experience in research operations and administration. In her current role, she leads the Association’s applications and peer review teams and provides strategic support across both foundational and targeted research programs.
In addition, Jessica’s team oversees research communications and the Researchers@Heart alumni program, strengthening engagement and ongoing collaboration within the Heart Association’s research community.
Prior to joining the American Heart Association, Jessica held research leadership and administrative roles at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the School of Nursing, where her work spanned program development, proposal strategy and submission, pre- and post-award management, reporting and evaluation, and business development. She also brings a strong nonprofit background from her work with the American Urological Association.
Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Vermont and a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University.
- Ryan Godfrey
- Samantha Lanjewar, PhD
Research Programs Manager, Hydrocephalus AssociationSamantha Lanjewar is the Research Programs Manager at the Hydrocephalus Association. She is responsible for leading administrative and programmatic research initiatives, including grants administration, strategic program planning, and the HAPPIER Patient Registry. In this role, she fosters meaningful collaboration among scientists, clinicians, engineers, patients, and other stakeholders to advance high-impact research and community-driven priorities.
Samantha earned her PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Emory University, where she studied human brain development. She has extensive expertise in neuroscience, genetics, and biomedical research, in addition to over a decade of experience in program leadership, event planning, and stakeholder engagement.
- Emily Meyers