IT Sligo have a long-established collaborative partnership with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), who provide vital training and research solutions to industry leaders in the biopharma sector. We are delighted to launch a new joint Online programme Certificate in Commissioning, Qualification and Validation for Biologics Manufacturing (CQV), commencing in September 2020.
The importance of biopharmaceuticals as a portion of total pharmaceutical revenue continues to expand, with ≥40% of overall pharmaceutical industry R&D and products in the development pipeline being biopharmaceuticals. Nonetheless, significant challenges remain in the sector such as the fundamental complexity of bringing new therapeutics to market, reimbursement and pricing models, Brexit uncertainties and global skills shortages. Notwithstanding these challenges, the Irish biopharma sector has continued its strong performance in attracting foreign direct investment. An objective of this new postgraduate certificate programme in CQV is to help support new facilities and extensions with commissioning, qualification and validation work before manufacturing can commence. The focus shall be on facilities and equipment.
It is envisaged that this programme will appeal to those who wish to advance their career while engaging in study that may be beneficial to their employer. The programme will address a knowledge gap amongst junior CQV engineers that don’t have a specific engineering background in areas such as hygienic pipework principles, P&ID walkdowns, instrumentation and calibration. Equally, the programme will address engineering focused CQV engineers where a good grounding in regulations and compliance would be very beneficial, based on industry feedback.
It is also envisaged that this programme will provide an attractive progression pathway for Level 8 graduates who wish to undertake Level 9 studies with an interest in employment in the biologics industry. An objective of this new postgraduate certificate programme in CQV is to help support new facilities and extensions with commissioning, qualification and validation work before manufacturing can commence.
Students benefit from the joint IT Sligo and NIBRT programme delivery approach, enabling those in full-time employment to gain access to flexible online lectures, while attending workshops in the NIBRT bioprocessing training facility.
Applications are now Open for a September 2020 start.