About this Event
This Tech Industry Alliance conference “Tech, Talent & Transformation: Advancing Excellence in Life Sciences,” will bring together industry leaders, technology innovators, educators, policymakers, and workforce development experts to explore how Ireland can continue to strengthen its position as a global life sciences powerhouse.
Taking place on 24 September at the Clayton Hotel Cork City, the event will focus on the practical actions needed to build a world-class talent pipeline, accelerate digital transformation, and enhance Ireland’s competitiveness in an increasingly technology-driven sector.
Through keynote presentations, industry case studies, expert panels, and thought-provoking discussions, delegates will examine how AI, automation, smart manufacturing, and data are reshaping operations and influencing the workforce of the future.
The programme will address key challenges including skills shortages, industry-academic collaboration, attracting and retaining talent, upskilling existing teams, and preparing for the next generation of roles in biopharma and medtech.
Featuring leading voices from industry, academia, and skills agencies, the conference will provide practical insights, real-world examples, and a clear roadmap for advancing excellence in Ireland’s life sciences ecosystem through technology, talent, and transformation.
Event Agenda
- 08:30 – 09:15 | Registration, Refreshments & Networking
- 09:15 – 09:30 | Welcome & Opening Remarks
- 09:30 – 10:15 | Event Keynote: The Future of Life Sciences: Technology Transformation & Workforce Implications
- 10:15 – 11:15 | Panel Discussion: From Engineer to Digital Specialist – The Changing Workforce
- 11:15 – 11:45 | Refreshments, Networking & Exhibition Stands
- 11:45 – 12:30 | Industry Case Study: Smart Manufacturing in Practice - Technology Transforming the Shop Floor
- 12:30 – 13:30 | Panel Discussion: The Workforce of 2030
Event Speakers
Event MC: Marguerite O’Sullivan, Director of Learning & Development at Kenvue
Event Keynote: The Future of Life Sciences: Technology Transformation & Workforce Implications
- Mike Kiely, Director of Strategic Partnerships in Data & Digital Technologies at Digital Manufacturing Ireland
- Sara Cuddy, Director of People, Skills & Transformation at Digital Manufacturing Ireland
- Facilitator: Niamh O'Driscoll, Founder and Managing Partner at Fastnet
Panel Discussion: From Engineer to Digital Specialist – The Changing Workforce
- Gavin Murphy, Senior Manager (Life Sciences Supply Chain & Engineering) at Accenture
- Liam Leahy, Senior Director (Global Supply Chain) at Gilead Sciences
- Oisin O’Diomasaigh, Head of Strategy at LSC (Life Science Consultants)
- Susan Costello, Network Director at BioPharmaChem Skillnet & Founder of Rubix Consultancy
- Facilitator: Siobhán O’Leary, Co-Founder and CEO at The Institute of Applied AI (IAAI)
Industry Case Study: Smart Manufacturing in Practice – Technology Transforming the Shop Floor
- James O’Neill, Senior Operations Leader at Astellas Ireland
- Facilitator: Suzanne O’Callaghan, Founder of SOCraigh & Lecturer on the MSc in Project Management at UCC
Panel Discussion: The Workforce of 2030
- Alan Hartigan, Director of Digital Manufacturing Operations at MSD Ireland
- Anita Maguire, Head of School of Chemistry & Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at UCC
- Cathal Kelly, Senior Director of Global Operational Excellence at BioMarin
- Darrin Morrissey, Chief Executive Officer at NIBRT
- Facilitator: Áine McCarthy, Chairperson of STEM South West & Principal Engineer at Analog Devices
Event Sponsors: Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet | The Institute of Applied AI (IAAI) | LSC (Life Science Consultants)
Event venue & nearby stays
Clayton Hotel Cork City, Lapp's Quay, Cork, Ireland
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