University of Galway has hosted a symposium on Delivering Ireland’s National Life Sciences Strategy, in partnership with Medtronic plc. 

The focus of the event is to provide a platform for discussion, collaboration and policy recommendations to support delivery of a national Life Sciences Strategy that will provide a cohesive framework to sustain and enhance Ireland's future competitiveness through research, innovation, talent development, entrepreneurship and technology.

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke T.D., delivered the keynote address at the event in the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin.

Minister Burke said: “The Life Sciences sector is one of the key drivers of Ireland’s economic success, accounting for over 100,000 jobs and over €130 billion in exports and we are proud to be home to the world’s leading Life Sciences companies. In the new Programme for Government, we have committed to developing a National Strategy for the Life Sciences to ensure this important sector remains competitive, and that we have a coherent and ambitious approach to future opportunities. This morning’s symposium is a great opportunity for stakeholders in this field to connect and look to the future of Ireland’s Life Sciences sector.”

Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “University of Galway is at the forefront of research and innovation, particular in the area of biomedical sciences and engineering, and medical devices, and we are recognised as among the top 30 universities in Europe for spinout value. By hosting this symposium, in partnership with Medtronic, University of Galway is leading the conversation on a call for action to creating Ireland’s National Life Sciences Strategy , recognising the critical role of the higher education sector in enabling the life sciences ecosystem and economic growth.”

The symposium Delivering Ireland’s National Life Sciences Strategy brought together government, industry, healthcare and academic leaders, as well as patient advocacy groups, to explore how Ireland can strengthen its position as a global life sciences leader. 

  University of Galway and Medtronic announced a Signature Innovation Partnership in 2023 to advance medical technology and healthcare innovation. The collaboration combines the University’s research expertise with Medtronic’s leadership in medical devices with the aim of driving progress in healthcare delivery, talent development and global healthcare solutions.

University of Galway has established two key research institutes in recent years, as part of a strategic drive for deeper impact through research and innovation. The new Institute for Clinical Trials was launched in May 2023 and the second, the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation was established in 2024, with a focus on health discovery science, medical technologies and advanced therapeutics.  

The institutes operate in close collaboration with CÚRAM, the Research Ireland-Taighde Éireann centre for medical devices, and BioInnovate, the fellowship programme under the Enterprise Ireland Innovators’ Initiative, both of which are based in University of Galway.

Following the symposium, recommendations will be developed to support the life science sector’s future development and competitiveness.    

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