The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry in Ireland is known for its significant contribution to Ireland's economy, communities and public health. Not only is Ireland home to manufacturing plants for 9 of the 10 largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry accounts for nearly half of the country’s exports, a figure in excess of €100 billion—the industry’s contribution towards Ireland's economic outlook is hard to overstate. This success is no coincidence; it stems from decades of strategic investments in talent, infrastructure and innovation—investments Amgen is proud to champion.
As Country Director for Amgen in Ireland, I know the impact that Ireland's talent pipeline has on the life science industry's ability to deliver innovative medicine for people globally. Amgen’s talented scientists are operating at the convergence of machine learning, AI technology, chemistry and biology to drive a new wave of innovation, reducing discovery timelines directly leading to increased success rates when developing new, innovative medicines. However, to maintain our thriving talent pipeline, an attractiveness for Foreign Direct Investment and this strong position relative to our European neighbours, Ireland needs to prioritise investment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education—ultimately, an investment in the future of medicine—enabling discovery that directly leads to patients gaining access to life-changing medicines that are manufactured here in Ireland.
The Importance of STEM Education in Ireland’s Life Sciences Sector
Ireland’s success in life sciences has been fuelled, in large part, by the country’s commitment to cultivating a skilled and motivated workforce. With over 44,000 jobs directly tied to the sector, and a broader impact exceeding 100,000 roles, the stakes are high. For Ireland to retain its position as a global leader in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology space, a strategic view of how to integrate STEM and life sciences into education is essential.
As our European neighbours like Denmark, Finland, Belgium and the UK intensify their focus on the life science industry, Ireland must continue to invest in STEM education to maintain its competitive edge.
Amgen and the Amgen Foundation’s Commitment to Nurturing Future Innovators
To effectively nurture future innovators, we need to find the right opportunity to connect to younger people and bring them on a journey of science, discovery and excitement.
As Amgen’s principal channel for corporate philanthropy, the Amgen Foundation works with expert partners to provide best-in-class science education programs to schools across the country. From the Amgen Biotech Experience, in partnership with UCD, which introduces secondary school students to hands-on biotechnology experiments and state-of-the-art equipment, to LabXchange, an online platform that provides virtual lab experiences and personalised instruction to students and teachers, The Amgen Foundation has helped to support more than 60,000 students across Ireland.
Amgen’s sponsorship of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is another demonstration of our commitment to nurturing future innovators. By supporting accolades like the Biological and Ecological Science Category Award, we celebrate the creativity and determination of young scientists while highlighting the vital connection between STEM education and the development of breakthrough medicines.
The Broader Vision: Connecting STEM to Innovation and Patient Care
Amgen programmes have a huge impact in nurturing future innovators, but our role in championing STEM education extends beyond sponsorship and education programs; we actively contribute to policy conversations that aim to close gaps in Ireland’s life sciences strategy.
Ireland’s strengths, including its talented workforce and robust manufacturing capacity, are underpinned by a tradition of strong industrial policy. However, challenges persist, including underfunded third-level education, a shortage of PhD students at fourth-level education, inadequate resources for science teachers and university laboratories, limited clinical trial capacity relative to our European neighbours, and an investment in research that is significantly below the EU average. Overcoming these issues requires collaboration between industry, government, and academia.
Amgen advocates for a more unified vision for life sciences in Ireland, including better alignment of government departments to streamline infrastructure development and making STEM education a national priority, across the breadth of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary levels. Our work with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT)—one of only two such facilities in the world—demonstrates how partnerships can enhance Ireland’s global competitiveness.
Working Together to Strategically Move Forward
While Ireland has a STEM policy statement and a strong industrial base, it lacks a comprehensive life sciences strategy. As other nations rapidly advance their policies, Ireland needs to do more to keep up:
- Improved Third-Level Funding: Universities require well-equipped labs and support for PhD students to advance research and innovation.
- Support for Science Teachers at Secondary Level (and Teachers at Primary Level): Passionate, well-supported teachers are the backbone of early STEM education. Initiatives like the Amgen Foundation’s Amgen Biotech Experience and LabXchange are helping to provide support for science educators, but these programs need to be complemented by systemic reforms and investment.
- Enhanced Clinical Trials and R&D: Ireland lags in clinical trial capacity and research investment, particularly in the field of drug discovery and development. Strengthening these areas would reinforce its position as a hub for biopharma innovation.
As the world evolves, so must Ireland’s approach to supporting the life sciences sector. STEM education is not just an educational priority; it is a societal imperative that underpins economic success and healthcare advancement.
A collaborative effort between government, academia and industry is essential to address systemic gaps in STEM education and ensure Ireland remains at the forefront of global innovation. Together, we can create an environment where students are not just inspired to dream big but are equipped to make those dreams a reality.
By Caitriona Duggan
Amgen Ireland, Country Senior Director