Europe’s first end-to-end sterility assurance postgraduate launched in Galway by Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton - Irish Medtech Skillnet

The partnership between Irish MedTech Skillnet, Skillnet Ireland, and the Irish Medtech Association, as well as the accreditation by ATU (Level 9) highlights the collaborative efforts of industry and academia in developing the highest standards for the sector and reinforcing Ireland’s reputation as a global leader in medtech.

 

Ibec Head of Sectors, and Director of Medtech and Engineering Dr Sinead Keogh said: “Our vision is for Ireland will be strongly positioned as a global leader in innovative patient centred medical technology solutions, helping to set the future global healthcare agenda. We stand out thanks to our proven ecosystem that is a major contributor to the economy with 450 businesses, including 9 of the world’s top 10 here.

The sector is already the greatest employer of medtech professionals in Europe, per capita, with 45,000 working to improve lives, and is making a global impact with €13 billion in exports. To maintain our momentum, we need the right talent to thrive, that is why the new Postgraduate Certificate in End-to-End Sterility Assurance developed by our member Sterility Assurance Forum with the Irish Medtech Skillnet marks an important milestone to continue to deliver safe, and sustainable medical technologies.”

Paul Healy, Chief Executive Skillnet Ireland, said: “The launch of this new post-graduate programme in sterility assurance from Irish MedTech Skillnet in partnership with ATU is hugely significant for the Irish medtech sector. It demonstrates the power of industry and academia collaborations in meeting the fast moving technological and regulatory trends of the medtech sector. This programme, the first of its kind in Europe, further enhances Ireland’s reputation as a top global medtech hub.”

 

Dr Ann O’Connell, Head of Funded Projects, Ibec Medtech and Engineering, said: “This innovative blended learning programme is the first accredited course of its kind, and it will offer science and engineering graduates and people already working in the area an incomparable opportunity to attain an accredited qualification in the essential area of sterility assurance.

The medtech industry adheres to international standards for sterilisation methods and test methods. This 1 year programme developed by the Irish MedTech Skillnet and Irish Medtech Association in partnership with ATU will help students understand applied methods across a range of context with key topics such as microbiology, biocompatibility and cleanroom operations.”

 

Dr Eugene McCarthy, Head of Department of Analytical, Biopharmaceutical and Medical Science, ATU, said: “I am delighted we have partnered with colleagues in Irish Medtech Skillnet, Skillnet Ireland and Irish Medtech Association to deliver this much needed programme in End-to-End Sterility Assurance. It is an example of how Atlantic Technological University works with industry to meet both regional and national needs, providing skills in high demand that permit our partners to remain competitive and grow employment.”