Dr Sarah Hayes, Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Research Centre (SSPC), John Halligan TD, Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation and Research, Dr Ann Ledwith, Dean of Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick (UL) and Jon O’Halloran, General Manager, SSPC.
Saturday, 11 November 2017

A new specialist diploma was launched recently by University of Limerick (UL), the Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Research Centre (SSPC), and a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre.

The Specialist Diploma in Regulatory Affairs in (Bio) Pharmaceuticals is available to graduates with a background in quality, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and biopharmaceutical or chemical sectors.

In attendance at the launch was Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD, who said: “Regulatory Affairs is critical to the future success of such a highly regulated industry and building academic links with industry ensures graduates can tailor their education to meet the demands of the emerging market”.

The programme emerged from the strong demand in recent years for regulatory affairs professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, with the course content developed in conjunction with experts from BioPharmaChem Ireland,. a business association within Ibec representing the biopharma and chemical sectors. 

Matt Moran, Director at BioPharmaChem Ireland, added: “The programme was formulated to build on a foundational knowledge, critical thinking and skills required of regulatory professionals in the pharma/biopharma environment, significantly enhancing the ability of Irish companies”.

Dr Sarah Hayes, SSPC, added: “The programme addresses a gap in the training of regulatory affairs personnel. The programme is designed to offer a unique opportunity in Ireland to gain a level 9 accredited Specialist Diploma in Regulatory Affairs and EU requirements”.

Commenting on the announcement of the programme, Dr Ann Ledwith, Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies at UL, said: “University of Limerick has a strong track record of delivering programmes to meet industry needs. Fees for the Specialist Diploma are funded through Springboard, it is a great opportunity for regulatory affairs professionals to upskill as they work”.

The course will commence in February 2018. Applications are now open; more details available on the Springboard website, or email: cep@ul.ie or call 061-202530.