10:00 Tea/Coffee and registration
10:30 Welcome Address: Prof Pat Guiry, President, Royal Irish Academy, Director, Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology School of Chemistry, UCD
Opening Keynote Address: Declan Hughes, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
10:45 Presentation Title: Evolving Ireland's BioPharmaChem Sector: Unveiling the Power of Academic Research and Collaboration
Presentation Abstract: Ireland's BioPharmaChem industry, with 45,000 employees and €116 billion in annual exports, is crucial to the manufacturing sector. Ranked third globally in pharmaceutical exports, Ireland maintains high operational and innovation standards supported by compliance and a skilled workforce. This presentation will set the scene, emphasising the role of academic research and industry-academia collaboration in fostering innovation and competitiveness.
- Dr Sinead Keogh, Director, BioPharamChem Ireland, and Head of Sectors, Ibec
- Prof Damien Thompson, Professor of Molecular Modelling, UL & Director, SSPC
11:00 Panel Title: Positive policies to fuel innovation for the future of Irish biopharma
Panel Abstract: Looking ahead to 2030, Ireland's biopharma sector anticipates significant growth, requiring robust innovation ecosystems for sustained global competitiveness. Third-level research investment is crucial for a thriving modern economy, with universities as vital innovation hubs. Our panel will discuss sustainable ecosystems in the biopharma sector and innovative financial models for long-term R&D, ensuring continual growth. Industry-academic collaboration aims to position Ireland as a global biopharma leader, attracting vital international investments.
- Panel Chair: Dr Sarah Hayes, Chief Operating Officer, SSPC
- Prof Pat Guiry, President, Royal Irish Academy
- Danny McCoy, CEO, Ibec
- Dr Noreen Lynch, Vice President, Technical Services/Manufacturing Science, Eli Lilly
- Dr Aisling McEvoy, Head of Enterprise Partnerships, SFI, Taighde Éireann
12:00 Panel 2: Empowering Sustainability: Emerging Trends, Third-Level Research and Academic-Industry Collaboration in the Biopharma Sector's 2030 Ecosystem
Panel Abstract: This panel will address the indispensable role of third-level research in guiding companies through the sustainability transition. Our discussions will encompass crucial aspects such as navigating EU regulations, talent development, and the integration of technology. The spotlight will be on fostering academic-industry collaboration, presenting an opportunity for both sectors to unite and address sustainability challenges collectively.
- Panel Chair: Paul McCabe, Chief Operating Officer, VLE
- Prof Anita Maguire, Head of School of Chemistry, UCC
- Pat Fitzgerald, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
- Prof Vivek Ranade, Bernal Chair of Process Engineering, UL
13:00 Lunch
13:45 Panel Title 3: The transformative effects of digital technologies on skill sets, advanced manufacturing, and the research landscape.
Panel Abstract: This panel delves into the transformative impact of digital technologies on skill sets, advanced manufacturing, and the research landscape within the biopharma sector. Embracing digitalization, the discussion explores evolving skill requirements, including emerging fields like data analytics and artificial intelligence crucial for thriving in a digitally driven biopharma environment. This panel will discuss the consequences of digitalisation on both research and manufacturing, offering insights into streamlined R&D processes and enhanced manufacturing efficiency.
- Panel Chair: Darrin Morrissey, Chief Executive Officer at NIBRT National Institute for Bioprocessing
- Seamus Fives, VP, API Operations, Pfizer Pharmaceutical
- Rory Mullen, Head of BioPharma, IDA Ireland
- Laura Murphy, Business Excellence Director at MSD Dunboyne
- Prof Norma Bargary, Professor of Data Science and Statistical Learning & Chair of Data Science at UL
14:45 Closing Address
- Prof Pat Guiry, President, Royal Irish Academy, Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology School of Chemistry, UCD, PI & Theme Lead, SSPC