AI and automation skills will be in demand as biopharma embraces digitization according to Atlantic Technological University expert.
The next generation of biopharmaceutical engineers will need hands-on experience with AI and process automation in regulated environments, as well as the adaptability to learn new skills, for a successful career.
The prediction comes from Neville McClenaghan, PhD, professor and head of life sciences at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Sligo, Ireland, who tells GEN that innovation in drug R&D is reshaping industry skills requirements.
“The life sciences sector is one of the fastest-growing and evolving of any industry, with new innovations in drugs and therapies coming all the time. Manufacturing these cutting-edge products inherently requires a workforce with enhanced knowledge and skills.
“In addition to core engineering skills, employees need to be able to adapt to new technologies,” McClenaghan says, citing automation, digitalization, and AI as examples.
McClenaghan shared his thoughts on changing industry skills requirements shortly after the 15th anniversary of ATU’s partnership with Ireland’s National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT).
Together, the organizations provide training courses designed to give student engineers firsthand experience and relevant skills. Examples include degrees in “Bioindustry 4.0” and “validation and digitization technologies.”
In addition, ATU and NIBRT recently launched a post-graduate degree in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMPs) manufacturing, where the focus is on cell therapy and viral vector production.
Key element
McClenaghan says, “A key element of the ATU-NIBRT partnership is its responsiveness to industry needs, ensuring that students gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Training at NIBRT’s pilot plant simulates the environments that operate in biopharma, equipping learners with real-world practical skills.
“As such, these educational experiences offer the opportunity for upskilling and reskilling of staff and new employees in the biopharma sector with a focus on enhancing the employability and impact of our graduates,” he says.
To date, more than 5,000 people have completed training courses developed by ATU and NIBRT. In recognition, earlier this year, Ireland’s Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, awarded a grant to fund expansion of the program.
McClenaghan says, “This HEA funding is a clear endorsement of the impact of the partnership over the past 15 years, and the intent is that ATU will use a large part of this funding to extend and deepen the collaboration.”
He cites expanding the “bioprocessing core facility” at ATU’s campus in Sligo, as well as taking part in events targeted at alumni and life science stakeholders, as examples.
McClenaghan adds, “The partnership demonstrates how by addressing skills gaps, we continue to support the life sciences sector and enhance Ireland’s global reputation in biopharma manufacturing.
“Our graduates directly make a difference by helping to bring life-saving medicines and medical technologies to patients around the world,” he says.
