The iEd Hub, an educational initiative formed between UCC and MTU, celebrated its inaugural conferring ceremony on Friday (25th October) as the first cohort graduated from its MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences, Operations & Management at the University College Cork. Three West Cork students formed part of the IPSOM Class of 2024.

The Master’s programme, co-created with iEd’s industry partners, addresses a crucial challenge for Ireland’s global life sciences organisations – the need for industry-ready graduates who can make an immediate impact. iEd develops the next generation of life sciences leaders by combining critical transferable skills with technical expertise tailored to industry needs. What sets iEd apart is its team of professionals with extensive industry experience, providing a unique blend of academic rigour and practical insights.

This Master’s combines industry-focused teaching with a unique curriculum: one-third technical expertise, one-third operations, and one-third management, complemented by an eight-month internship and practitioner-led, competency-based teaching. Learning through experience is central to the course, and is made possible through iEd’s state-of-the-art facilities, which are designed to foster innovation and excellence. The facilities include pilot tabletting and aseptic suites, 3D printing labs, VR and podcasting spaces, simulation rooms, and a 360° immersive environment.

Professor Helen Whelton, Head of College of Medicine and Health, UCC and Co-Lead of the iEd Hub Project said: “I am thrilled to congratulate our IPSOM graduates as they embark on the next step of their journey. Addressing the needs of the life sciences industry is a strategic priority for the College of Medicine and Health as we build a high-quality Academic Health Sciences System, founded on partnerships between the University, Health Service, and Life Sciences Industry. This collaboration ensures the best service for our population. Today also marks a milestone for the iEd Hub team, shaping the next generation of life sciences leaders through this inaugural conferring.”

Professor Mark Tangney, Head of the iEd Hub, said: “This conferring ceremony is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our graduates who are rightly proud to receive their parchments today. By developing professionals with both technical prowess and essential transferable skills, these graduates represent the future leaders of the life sciences industry, supporting a key component of the Irish economy. Our holistic approach, bringing

together multiple academic disciplines with industry expertise, has positioned the iEd Hub as a go-to partner for solving skills challenges in the life sciences sector.”

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The inaugural graduation of the iEd Hub’s MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences, Operations and Management in UCC.
Picture: David Keane.
25.10.2024.