View all Courses
Minister Lawless announces €1m HEA Performance Funding for ATU Biopharma Industry and Education Partnership
Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, has announced €1m funding to ATU “in recognition of the outstanding contribution to national strategic objectives”.
Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, has announced €1m funding to ATU “in recognition of the outstanding contribution to national strategic objectives”. In total 5 institutions were awarded €1 million euro each to support and recognise exemplary performance by higher education institutions.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has received this award in recognition of addressing skills needs in the biopharmaceutical industry sector through its long-standing partnership with the National Institute of Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT). This collaboration was central to ATU’s Impact Assessment Case Study (IACS) submission to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) under the System Performance Framework 2023-2028.
Minister Lawless, commenting on today’s awards, stated: “This funding serves to highlight the significant accomplishments of the higher education and research system, as well as the considerable impact that these institutions have on communities throughout Ireland. By addressing crucial national challenges in the areas of bullying, gender inequality, socioeconomic disadvantage, and national skills shortages, they are collectively contributing to an Ireland that is fairer and more agile.”
Since 2008, ATU and NIBRT have developed a suite of accredited training programmes tailored to industry demands. Starting with one programme, the initiative has grown to 24 university courses by 2024, with over 5,000 students participating. As NIBRT expands internationally, this partnership has great potential for global impact, supporting this vital and evolving life sciences industry sector.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, welcomed the Minister’s announcement: “The ATU-NIBRT partnership demonstrates how higher education can collaborate with industry to deliver impactful training. By addressing skills gaps, we support the Irish life sciences sector and enhance Ireland’s global reputation in biopharma manufacturing. We thank the Minister for his support with this funding announced today.”
Ireland is the third-largest exporter of pharmaceuticals worldwide. The sector employs over 85,000 people and includes 90+ manufacturing plants, 50+ FDA-approved. With an export value of €106 billion in 2023, biopharma remains key to Ireland’s economy.
Prof Jacqueline McCormack, VP for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Online & Flexible Learning at ATU, said the role of flexible education in industry growth was an important part of the continued success of the life sciences industry in Ireland; “Through this impactful NIBRT partnership, ATU provides industry-aligned education that enables professionals to upskill while working, ensuring Ireland’s workforce remains competitive. A key element of the ATU-NIBRT initiative is its responsiveness to industry needs, ensuring that students gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Training in NIBRT’s pilot-plant facility simulated the tightly regulated Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments that operate in biopharma manufacturing facilities, equipping learners with practical skills.”
The ATU-NIBRT initiative aligns with national policies, including the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) biopharma report and IDA Ireland’s priorities. It aims to provide career development pathways, foster industry expertise, and support accessible learning.
Looking ahead, ATU and NIBRT are launching micro-credentials this year, offering exciting new targeted certifications for professionals seeking to efficiently upskill/reskill in target areas.
Dr Darrin Morrissey, the NIBRT CEO commented, “We are delighted to receive this recognition of the impact of the long-standing partnership between NIBRT and ATU – a partnership that extends beyond the classroom. Together we are preparing individuals for successful careers in biopharma, while strengthening Ireland’s leading position in global biopharma manufacturing. Our graduates directly make a difference by helping to bring life-saving medicines and medical technologies to patients around the world.”
As Ireland continues to attract biopharma investment, partnerships like ATU-NIBRT ensure the country remains a leader in skills development and workforce excellence. ATU is committed to fostering collaborations that drive innovation and economic growth.
Photo Caption: Left to right: Dr Darrin Morrissey (CEO, NIBRT), James Lawless TD (Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science), Professor Jacqueline McCormack (VP for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Online & Flexible Learning at ATU), Professor Neville McClenaghan (Head of Department of Life Sciences, ATU).
