NIBRT Designated as WHO Regional Training Centre for Biomanufacturing in the European Region
PRESS RELEASE
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NIBRT has been designated by WHO as the Regional Training Centre for Biomanufacturing for the European Region
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NIBRT is one of seven institutions selected globally, representing WHO's six regions
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The designation supports WHO's mission to strengthen health security, pandemic preparedness and equitable access to vaccines and biologics worldwide
Dublin, Ireland, 09 June 2026: The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the Regional Training Centre (RTC) for Biomanufacturing for the European Region, as part of the WHO Biomanufacturing Workforce Training Initiative.
The WHO Biomanufacturing Workforce Training Initiative was established in 2023 to address critical skills gaps across the biomanufacturing value chain, enabling countries to translate technological advances into sustainable local production. It directly supports World Health Assembly resolution WHA74.6 on strengthening local production of medicines and other health technologies. NIBRT’s designation was announced by WHO on 29 April 2026, following a rigorous global selection process. NIBRT is one of seven institutions selected globally, representing WHO's six geographical regions.
As the designated Regional Training Centre for the European Region, NIBRT will operate as part of a coordinated global network, delivering hands-on, context-specific training aligned with regional priorities, regulatory environments and industry needs. The network will work in collaboration with WHO and the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing, hosted by the Republic of Korea.
The designation was welcomed at the highest level. Speaking at the WHO Director-General’s media briefing on 29 April 2026, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said:
“Over the past few years, WHO has taken several steps to make the world safer from future emergencies and pandemics. Today, WHO announced that we have designated regional training centres in each of WHO’s six regions, to build the skilled workforce needed to sustain local production of vaccines and biologics. The new training centres are in Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Ireland (NIBRT), Senegal and South Africa. They will operate as part of a coordinated global network, delivering context-specific training aligned with regional priorities, regulatory environments and languages.”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, media briefing, 29 April 2026
Killian O’Driscoll, Chief Commercial Officer, NIBRT, welcoming the announcement commented:
“The NIBRT team is delighted to be involved in this key WHO initiative to help make the world safer from future emergencies and pandemics. This designation from WHO reflects the quality and reach of the training NIBRT has delivered over many years. As the Regional Training Centre for Europe, we will work with our partners across the region and around the world to help sustain local production of vaccines and biologics for Lower and Middle Income Countries.”
Killian O’Driscoll, Chief Commercial Officer, NIBRT
The full list of designated Regional Training Centres is as follows:
- European Region: National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Ireland
- African Region: Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Senegal; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa
- Region of the Americas: Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Brazil
- South-East Asia Region: Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, India
- Eastern Mediterranean Region: Center for Continuing Professional Development, Egyptian Drug Authority, Egypt
- Western Pacific Region: Peking University, China
**End of Press Release**
About NIBRT
The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is a global centre of excellence for biopharmaceutical training and research, based in Dublin, Ireland. Its 8,300m² purpose-built facility replicates a modern bioprocessing plant, with pilot plant and simulated manufacturing suites spanning upstream and downstream bioprocessing, quality systems and fill-finish operations. NIBRT delivers training and research solutions to the global biopharmaceutical industry, supporting organisations and individuals across multiple regions and continents through both on-site programmes and the NIBRT Online Academy. For more information, visit www.nibrt.ie
Media Contact
Emer Norton
Marketing and Communications Manager, NIBRT
+353 (1) 215 8100
More Information at WHO Departmental News: https://www.who.int/news/item/29-04-2026-who-expands-global-biomanufacturing-workforce-network-to-strengthen-equitable-access-and-health-security
Source: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing, 29 April 2026. Full remarks available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/speeches/item/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing---29-april-2026
Representatives of the seven WHO Regional Training Centres for Biomanufacturing at the launch event, Geneva, June 2026. Pictured centre: Dr Jicui Dong, Unit Head, Product Policies, Access and Manufacturing Support Unit (PAM), WHO. Pictured far right: Darrin Morrissey, CEO, NIBRT.
