Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Taoiseach Micheál Martin Recognises NIBRT-CASTL Partnership to Strengthen Biomanufacturing Workforce Development

PRESS RELEASE

Dublin, Ireland, and Charlottetown, Canada, June 15, 2026 — Ireland’s National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) and the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that builds on their existing partnership and reinforces their shared commitment to advancing biomanufacturing workforce development in Canada and internationally. The partnership was recognised in the Joint Statement on Advancing the Canada-Ireland Partnership issued by the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, and Micheál Martin T.D., the Taoiseach of Ireland, on June 13, 2026, during a bilateral visit to Ireland.

The Canada-Ireland Joint Statement specifically commits to “support biomanufacturing workforce development and skills by building on and extending the existing partnership between the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) and Ireland’s National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, enabling enhanced joint programming, shared expertise through a global network of NIBRT-affiliated training centres, and alignment of world-class biomanufacturing training initiatives.”

Through this strengthened collaboration, NIBRT and CASTL will continue to work together to expand access to high-quality, industry-informed training that supports the development of skilled talent for the growing life sciences sector. The Memorandum of Understanding reflects a shared commitment to international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the delivery of practical training solutions that respond to the evolving needs of industry. This national recognition underscores the role of skills development and international training partnerships in supporting resilient health systems, trusted supply chains, and long-term growth across Ireland and Canada’s life sciences sectors.

“NIBRT is delighted to extend its collaboration with CASTL and to continue supporting the advancement of biomanufacturing training through our global network of affiliated centres,” said Darrín Morrissey, CEO, NIBRT. “Together, we are helping align training initiatives with industry needs and supporting the next generation of global talent for the biopharma sector.”

“CASTL is proud to continue building on our partnership with NIBRT, whose global leadership in biomanufacturing training has helped shape best-in-class workforce development models around the world,” said Penny Walsh, CEO, CASTL. “This MOU will help strengthen training capacity, expand opportunities for collaboration, and support the development of the skilled workforce needed to grow Canada’s biomanufacturing sector.”

NIBRT and CASTL look forward to continuing their collaboration and advancing shared priorities that support workforce readiness, innovation, and growth across the global biomanufacturing ecosystem, as Ireland and Canada deepen bilateral cooperation in life sciences, biomanufacturing and health security.

Representatives from NIBRT’s global network of affiliated training centres at the NIBRT Global Partner Summit 2026, Dublin — including CASTL, Canada’s exclusive provider of NIBRT programmes.

PRESS RELEASE ENDS

About NIBRT The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is a global centre of excellence for training and research in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. NIBRT is located in a world-class facility in Dublin, Ireland. This facility is purpose built to closely replicate a modern bioprocessing plant with state-of-the-art equipment and enables NIBRT to offer the highest quality training and research solutions. NIBRT’s mission is to support the growth and development of all aspects of the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. For more information, please visit www.nibrt.ie

About CASTL The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) is Canada’s biomanufacturing training partner, dedicated to developing skilled talent to drive the country’s thriving biomanufacturing sector. With state-of-the-art, GMP-simulated facilities from coast to coast (in Charlottetown, PE; Montreal, QC, and Vancouver, BC), CASTL delivers hands-on, industry-informed training alongside flexible online learning. As Canada’s exclusive provider of National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) programmes, CASTL offers world-class education with support from adMare BioInnovations and its adMare Academy, shaping the next generation of life sciences professionals. For more information, please visit www.castlcanada.ca

Media Contacts

Emer Norton Marketing and Communications Manager, NIBRT Emer.Norton@nibrt.ie

Heidi Reinblatt Director of Marketing and Communications, CASTL Heidi@castlcanada.ca