Liz Dooley, chair of the Ireland section of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering, was honoured for her outstanding contribution to the industry at the inaugural Life Science Industry Awards.
A senior director, global engineering and technology, at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Liz is a graduate of University College Cork with a master’s in biotechnology. She is also a member of iChemE, Women in Technology and Science.
Medical device maker Arrotek Medical won the grand prix, overall excellence in life sciences award.
The winners of all 14 awards were announced during a live awards ceremony at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry Demesne, Dublin 9, on 6 July 2023, hosted by comedian and podcaster Jarlath Regan.
The Irish Times, communications partner to the awards, was joined by event patron the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering – Ireland Affiliate; platinum sponsor Unispace Life Sciences; and gold sponsors CBRE, Actylis, Controlled Environments Company and HGF. Amárach Research also supported the 2023 awards.
Another winner was PTC Therapeutics. Jesse Sibarium, senior vice president, general manager EMEA, said: “PTC has had an established presence in Ireland for nearly 10 years, serving patients with rare diseases. We are honoured to receive the supply chain achievement award, which recognises our ongoing work and commitment to deliver innovative therapies to patients with rare diseases globally.”
John O’Reilly, global managing director of platinum sponsor Unispace Life Sciences, said: “As a design and build industry partner, we support our clients by ensuring they are operating within world class spaces that spark innovation. These awards give us all a chance to recognise our clients’ success and Ireland’s achievements within the research, development and global supply of essential medicines.”
Another award winner was DMF Systems. Director of marketing and business development Cathy Fitzgerald said: “We are thrilled to have won the product impact award for our GeneCIS Clinical Portal, recognising the positive impact GeneCIS has in supporting healthcare providers to deliver enhanced patient care. The award is a testament to the innovation and commitment of our entire team – we’re all delighted!”
Joining the event as a gold sponsor was Actylis. Director of global marketing communications Paul Staunton said: “Actylis proudly sponsors the Life Science Industry Awards to promote innovation and foster excellence in our industry. By recognising outstanding work, these awards inspire greatness, attract top talent into Ireland, and push the industry forward. As an industry, we shape a brighter future where science thrives, and lives are transformed.”
Boston Scientific Galway also stepped onto the top step of the podium, with Mike Murphy, site services director, and Sean Dowd, facilities manager, saying: “It’s deeply rewarding to see the team’s hard work and personal commitment to our sustainability vision recognised with this award. This serves as a milestone on our journey towards carbon neutrality by 2030. It’s not just about what we’ve achieved, but what we aspire to. This project marks a significant step forward in our ESG strategy here in Galway.”
Finalist Metabolomic Diagnostics was pleased to be shortlisted for the awards. Chief executive Robin Tuytten said: “As a CEO representing one of the early-stage companies in the budding space of Irish diagnostics innovators, being nominated and celebrated at the Life Science Industry Awards is truly inspiring. We are proud to be among the remarkable life-science innovators recognised.”
Arrotek Medical managing director Ger O’Carroll said: “It is fantastic to see the growth of the life sciences sector over the past number of years, it is extremely positive to see the growth into international markets and the creation of high-quality jobs for the northwest of Ireland.”
Speaking at the awards, Kevin O’Driscoll, director partnership programmes, Business River, said: “Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors. We are thankful to our 2023 sponsors and professional partners, which include Unispace Life Sciences, CBRE, Actylis, Controlled Environments Company and HGF. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.”
The awards were judged by a distinguished panel of experts drawn from all areas of the sector.
Full list of judges
· Eamon Judge (judging co-ordinator), executive director for global engineering, Eli Lilly
· Finnian Hanrahan, scientific programme manager, Science Foundation Ireland
· Neville McClenaghan, professor, head of department of life sciences, Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
· Olivia O’Leary, senior lecturer, University College Cork (UCC)
· Eileen Armstrong, lecturer, ATU Sligo
· Denis Ring, lecturer, UCC
· Adrienne Fleming, lecturer, Technological University (TU) Dublin
· Sandra Lenihan, lecturer, Munster Technological University (MTU)
Full list of winners
Laboratory excellence award
Winner: Vision 1 Laboratory - Teagasc
Best use of CSR
Winner: AbbVie
Best workplace award
Sponsored by Unispace Life Sciences
Winner: GLS Pharma Laboratory - Medtronic Parkmore Galway
Best engineering project/facility
Sponsored by Unispace Life Sciences
Winner: Building 2 Mod 3 Cleanroom - Boston Scientific
Supply chain achievement
Sponsored by Controlled Environments Company
Winner: PTC Therapeutics
Excellence in health and safety
Winner: Pfizer Ringaskiddy
Product impact award
Winner: GeneCIS Clinical Portal - DMF Systems
Innovation of the year
Sponsored by HGF
Winner: releaze - Symphysis Medical
Operational excellence award
Winner: Blood Transfusion Laboratory, Cork University Hospital (Health Service Executive)
Sustainability award
Winner: Janssen Sciences Ireland
Life sciences company of the year – SME
Winner: Arrotek Medical
Life sciences team of the year
Winner: Technology Group - Almac Sciences
Outstanding contribution award
Sponsored by CBRE
Recipient: Liz Dooley
Overall excellence in life sciences
Sponsored by Actylis
Winner: Arrotek Medical
