Europe’s first end-to-end sterility assurance postgraduate launched in Galway

Galway hosted the launch of the first-ever Postgraduate Certificate in End-to-End Sterility Assurance in Europe, which was developed by the Irish Medtech Skillnet in partnership with Skillnet Ireland, the Irish Medtech Association, and Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

The collaborative efforts of industry and academia in Ireland have resulted in the development of the highest standards for the medtech sector, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a global leader in medtech.

This is demonstrated by the accreditation of ATU (Level 9) and the involvement of Irish MedTech Skillnet, Skillnet Ireland, and the Irish Medtech Association.

Hildegarde Naughton TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, officially launched the programme at the iHub in ATU Galway.

Power of industry and academia collaborations

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.”

Ibec’s Head of Sectors, and Director of Medtech and Engineering Dr Sinead Keogh highlighted her vision for Ireland to 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,” she added.

First accredited course of its kind

The growing need for sterility assurance scientists and quality assurance operational roles in companies has led to the development of the Postgraduate Certificate in End-to-End Sterility Assurance.

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. The programme will also be of interest to related sectors such as medical laboratories and Biotech industries”.

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.”

Learn more

Learn more about the Irish MedTech Skillnet and the Postgraduate Certificate in End-to-End Sterility Assurance.