IDA-NIBRT Workforce Development Summit 2026: Developing Talent for the Life Science Industry
IDA Ireland and NIBRT are co-hosting Developing Talent for the Life Science Industry (IDA-NIBRT Workforce Development Summit 2026), and general registration is now open.
This event is for senior HR, Talent, and Learning & Development leaders in Ireland’s life sciences sector. It focuses on the key challenges and opportunities in talent management.
If this event would be more relevant to someone else in your organisation, please feel free to forward it to the appropriate contact.
Event Details:
- When: Thursday, 29th October 2026, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Event Format: In-person only
- Location: NIBRT, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 X099
- Who: Senior leaders responsible for workforce development and learning and development across life sciences (biopharma and related sectors)
- Register your interest: HEREÂ
Please note: There is strong interest in this event and places are limited. Please note that registering your interest does not confirm a place. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, and we will confirm your place by email.Â
Why Attend?
The biopharma and life sciences industries are changing quickly, and preparing your workforce for future challenges is more important than ever. This event will give HR and L&D leaders insights and strategies on:
- Tackling talent shortages in a fast-growing sector.
- Preparing your workforce for the impact of new modalities, digital transformation, automation and AI.
- Developing a strategic talent plan that aligns with your organisation’s goals.
- Accessing government and industry support for workforce development.
- Learning from case studies shared by peers and leaders in Ireland’s life sciences sector.
You will gain practical insights, find out about the industry and government supports available, and network with peers who are facing similar challenges. You will leave better equipped to attract, retain and develop the talent your organisation needs to stay competitive.
Agenda:
- 9:30 AM – Welcome & Introductions
Darrin Morrissey, CEO, NIBRT; Breda O’Toole, IDA Ireland - 9:45 AM – Where Are We Now? Workforce Development for Biopharma Manufacturing
Kate Cotter, Training Director, NIBRT - 10:15 AM – Supporting HR & L&D: Mentor & Strategic Workforce Development Programme, and Case Study 1: STDP Implementation
Mary Collins, Boston Scientific (Elevate HR); Bethany Corrigan, Skillnets - 10:45 AM – Preparing & Delivering Future Capability: Progress on EGFSN Skills for BioPharma and the Talent Management & Development Hub, and Case Study 2: Global Development Hubs
Breda O’Toole & Aisling Soden, IDA Ireland - 11:15 AM – Coffee
- 11:30 AM – Realising Return on Investment: How to Calculate ROI from Workforce Development
Learnovate; John Milne, Training Director, Innovation and Partnerships, NIBRT - 12:00 PM – Case Study 3: How Astellas Has Addressed Its Workforce Development Challenges
Ray Ward, L&D Operations Partner, Astellas Tralee - 12:30 PM – Case Study 4: Fireside Chat with Penn Engineering: What L&D Best Practices Can Be Learnt from Other Sectors in Ireland?
Mary Ann Fleming, Director of Penn Engineering and Global Operations Manager; Niamh Naughton, IDA Ireland - 1:00 PM – Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Barry Shortt, NIBRT; Breda O’Toole, IDA Ireland - 1:15 PM – Lunch, Networking & NIBRT Facility Tour
- 2:00 PM – Event Close
The agenda may be subject to minor changes.
If you have any questions, please contact emer.norton@nibrt.ie.
