The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) was officially opened in June 2011 in Dublin, Ireland to provide research and training solutions to the (bio)pharma industry.

Ireland: One of the Largest Net Exporters of Medicines in the World

The Irish pharmaceutical sector has seen significant growth and successes over many years. The sector is now of systemic importance to the Irish economy. Eight of the top ten global pharmaceutical companies have major operations in Ireland, with twelve out of twenty five pharmaceutical blockbusters produced in the country. The country's pharmaceutical industry currently generates over 50 % of the country‘s exports (to the value of €47.2 billion), which contributes to making Ireland one of the largest net exporter of medicines globally [1].

However, the pharmaceutical sector is facing significant global and national challenges. Patent expirations, cost pressures and the rise of competition from generic drugs are fundamentally altering the structure of the industry.

In parallel to these challenges new opportunities and business models are being created by the increasing importance of biotechnology and the convergence with related industries. In particular, the impact of biotechnology is profound; currently over 40 % of pre-clinical trials are for large molecule biological candidates [2].Traditional pharmaceutical companies are now required to develop deep expertise in the biological sciences. The very nature of manufacturing facilities is changing, large stainless steel infrastructure is being replaced by smaller, multi-purpose, multi-product and flexible facilities. The staff that supports these facilities will collaborate in cross functional teams with a thorough understanding of the complexities of the biologics manufacturing process. The ability of a manufacturing facility to conduct value added research, development and innovation will be a key strategic advantage.

In the face of such change, how can Ireland maintain and develop its hard-won reputation in the pharmaceutical sector?

Responding to the Challenge

The NIBRT was established in Dublin, Ireland to leverage the expertise and resources within the Irish Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and to partner with the pharmaceutical industry to take advantage of these opportunities created by the biologics revolution.

Part-funded by IDA Ireland, it is a private institute, which is based on an innovative partnership between the four founding academic institutions: Dublin City University (DCU), Institute of Technology Sligo, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University College Dublin (UCD).

In addition, it is actively developing partnerships with other Irish HEIs with expertise relevant to the biopharma sector to ensure that a co-ordinated, national framework is established.

NIBRT's roles include:

• Training and education to produce highly skilled personnel for the bioprocessing industry.
• Conducting research and innovation in key industrial areas of bioprocessing.
• Providing flexible, multi-purpose bioprocessing research and training facilities.

Competent and Cost Efficient Training Solutions

The Institute works in partnership with industry to identify, develop and manage the range and depth of the core skills and competencies required to operate a world-class biologics facility. It also assists in assessing how manufacturing sites can develop a culture of high performance individuals collaborating in cross functional teams to implement operational programs which drive cost competitiveness while enhancing quality performance.

The training client list includes Pfizer (Shanbally), Pfizer (Grange Castle), Centocor (Ringaskiddy), Eli Lilly and Co. (Kinsale). Indeed, NIBRT was part of the learning and development program for Pfizer (Shanbally) operating personnel, which was awarded the Continuous Professional Development Company of the Year Award 2009 by Engineers Ireland.

Developing the Next Generation

A flexible, committed and educated workforce has long been attributed as a key feature of Ireland's success in attracting and developing the pharma industry. According to the World Economic Forum [3], the country has one of the best education systems in the world, ranking 7th out of 134 countries surveyed.

NIBRT is fortunate to be able to leverage this system to design and deliver programs that address the educational needs of students who wish to work in the biopharma industry.

Its education programs include undergraduate programs, Masters and PhD programs. The Masters programs equip engineering and science graduates with insights into best-practice in the biopharmaceutical industry.

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