Science and Innovation Minister Conor Lenihan TD has launched a new life science guide to creating ‘smart’ jobs from new technologies. The guide collates the life science research capability of third-level institutions.
The life sciences industry contributed almost 30pc of all Irish exports last year with the sector exporting goods valued at more than €44.4 billion.
The guide aims to match industries with research experts relevant to their needs.
“In line with the Government’s “smart” economy plan we want to maximise opportunities for commercialisation of academic research activity and give entrepreneurs here a competitive edge to create new jobs for tomorrow’s workers,” Lenihan said.
“We want industry and academia working together in turning research into products and services for the global marketplace. The Irish research landscape has been transformed over the past decade.
“Increased investment in research has helped attract leading researchers to our universities, enabled the training of highly skilled graduates and installed world-class facilities for cutting-edge research.
“This publication will help firms in the life science sector to identify and collaborate with world-class life sciences research teams.”
The new guide is categorised into sections based on six technology areas that are key to the development of the life science sector. The areas covered include; Clinical Research and IT for Health, Diagnostics, Medical Technologies, Pharma Bio, Animal Health and Chemicals.
The guide lists applied researchers and profiles facilities that are active in these technology areas and includes the points of contact for accessing expertise in each research institution.
The guide aims to provide life sciences businesses with information on how to identify and engage with the research expertise that is most relevant to grow their businesses.
Science and Innovation Minister Conor Lenihan TD
Dr Keith O’Neill, head of Lifescience & Food Commercialisation at Enterprise Ireland, said “As part of the wider State investment in research and innovation over the past number of years, Enterprise Ireland has made a significant investment in strengthening the Irish technology transfer system.
“There are now skilled teams of technology transfer professionals in place, throughout the higher education system, to facilitate access to new technologies and innovations.
“The Life Sciences Research Guide has been produced to help companies to access the enormous capability of the Life Sciences research community. This research expertise can help companies improve the competitiveness of existing processes, access new technologies or identify new opportunities.
“The information presented in this publication was collated in partnership with all of the third level institutions, and we look forward to a continued close partnership as we work with the Technology Transfer Offices, and our client companies, to help find the best way to bring innovative new technologies to the marketplace” Dr O’Neill concluded.
