Philip is a Director for Sterilisation Operations with Alcon supporting their European surgical sites and Global Sterilisation Strategy. Philip joined Alcon in 2000 as a Quality Engineer before taking on roles of increasing responsibility including the Cork site’s EO Sterilisation process. Philip holds an MSc in Materials Science as well as a Professional Diploma in Strategy & Innovation and has worked in the Medical Device Industry for 24 years.
Show more
Dr Ann O’Connell PhD is a visionary leader, a dynamic collaborator. As Head of Funded projects for Medtech and Engineering Skills with Ibec, Ann is responsible for funding, development and delivery of over 100 professional upskilling programmes ranging from 1-day webinars, to 2-year Masters programmes. Ann’s course list is wide ranging and comprehensive, covering Research & Development, Manufacturing & Digitalisation, Quality & Regulatory, Sustainability, and Management & Leadership, and she specialises in piloting and launching new programmes to meet emerging needs.
Ann completed her PhD in 2014 with the Centre for BioNano Interactions (CBNI) at University College Dublin and is a longtime advocate for lifelong learning amongst industry professionals. She joined Ibec in 2019 from Irish Manufacturing Research Centre, where as the European Programme Manager, she refocused strategy and investment and led the successful application of a proposal to coordinate a H2020 funded project under the ECSEL JU Program. Prior to that, Ann served as Senior Integration Engineer with Intel Corporation for almost two decades, supporting multiple business sectors across diverse geographies, Ann’s deep understanding of the power of technology, digitalisation, data science and intelligent automation in advancing all businesses is applied with expertise and purpose in her role today, as she supports the industries that will solve some of the world’s most critical health and environmental challenges.
“Knowledge is power, and we should never stop learning - especially as the challenges facing our world grow increasingly urgent. The knowledge we build today will trigger the discoveries of tomorrow, to empower solutions for our future”.
Olivier Vrain is the Radiation Plant Manager at STERIS AST Tullamore, where he oversees the operations of two electron beam irradiators and is spearheading the X-Ray installation project. With a BSc in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Olivier has been with STERIS AST since 2006, contributing significantly to the healthcare industry. His roles have included E-Beam Technical Engineer and Radiation Technical Manager for the UK & Ireland. Olivier is also an active member of the ASTM E61 on Dosimetry Committee and the Panel on Gamma & Electron Irradiation, reflecting his deep expertise and commitment to advancing radiation technology.
Show more
Richard has over 25 years’ experience in sterilization of medical devices, of which 18 years were in various quality, operations and EO technical roles at leading global contract sterilization provider, STERIS. In 2022 Richard moved back into the medical device manufacturing arena as International Sterility Assurance Program Director for Medline Industries, providing support to their extensive sterilization activities in Europe and Asia. Richard has also been actively involved in ISO TC198 WG1 since 2006 and was project leader for the development of ISO/TS 21387 – Guidance on Parametric Release for EO processing, published in 2020. In Dec 2022 he was appointed convenor of WG1 and is currently leading the revision of ISO 11135, which is targeted for publication in July 2024.
Show more
Chris is a Principal Quality Engineer in the Sterility Assurance team at the Galway Parkmore Medtronic facility. Chris has 9 years of industry experience in Sterility Assurance for the medical device industry. Chris has experience with EO , E-Beam , Gamma , Moist Heat and Dry Heat modalities. Chris received his B.Sc. degree in Physics with Medical Physics from the University of Galway. He is a Certified Industrial Sterilization Specialist to the AAMI Credentials Institute and holds accreditation for CISS-Radiation and is a member of the Irradiation Panel.
Show more