Aug 10, 2026
In this
episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Rebecca “Becky” Fisher, PhD,
Deputy Director for Program Management at the Congressionally
Directed Medical Research Programs, joins the conversation to help
listeners better understand one of the federal biomedical research
funding pathways that may be less familiar to many entrepreneurs,
researchers, and life science
companies.
Dr. Fisher explains how CDMRP works, how it differs from and
complements other federal funders such as NIH and ARPA-H, and why
its mission is focused on advancing high-impact research that can
lead to cures, improved patient care, breakthrough technologies,
and clinical benefit. She also discusses the scale and breadth of
CDMRP’s portfolio, including its FY26 appropriations of $1.27
billion across 34 program areas and additional targeted
topics.
A major focus of the conversation is CDMRP’s unique approach to
consumer involvement. Dr. Fisher explains how patients, caregivers,
family members, and others with lived experience help shape program
strategy, participate in review, and keep funded research connected
to the needs of the communities it is intended to
serve.
The episode also offers practical guidance for applicants. Dr.
Fisher walks through how funding opportunities are developed, where
to find open program announcements, how the two-tier review process
works, and what makes a strong application stand out. She also
shares advice for small businesses, academic investigators,
clinicians, translational research teams, and industry partners
interested in exploring whether CDMRP may be a fit for their
work.
Editing
and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast
Consultant.
Dr. Rebecca “Becky” Fisher currently serves as Deputy Director for
Program Management at the Congressionally Directed Medical Research
Programs within the Defense Health Agency, providing senior-level
leadership for the successful administration of Congressional
appropriations supporting targeted biomedical research. Dr. Fisher
has more than 20 years of experience managing and leading complex
biomedical research programs within the Department of War. In her
current role, she leads CDMRP staff in developing program
strategies, facilitating collaborative efforts, and investing
funding to further the CDMRP and DoW biomedical research missions.
Her work involves extensive engagement with stakeholders from
Congress, government, academia, industry, nonprofit, and consumer
advocacy organizations. Dr. Fisher received her PhD in Toxicology
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed
a Postdoctoral Cancer Research Training Award Fellowship at the
National Cancer Institute.