€2.6m for Science Careers in Ireland and Wales



Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) & Bangor University launched a €2.6 million project to help develop and sustain jobs in the life sciences industries in Waterford last December.  Funded by the Ireland Wales Programme, the “Wales Ireland Network for Scientific Skills” (WINSS) is a four year project which will see over 200 people from Ireland and Wales participating in workshops, seminars and advanced scientific research programmes and 120 receiving certified qualifications ranging from special purpose to PhD level awards.

WIT’s Dr. Peter McLoughlin, Principal Investigator at the PMBRC, leads the 30-strong WINSS team (11 new members funded by the project) who will design and deliver scientific and generic training programmes across the two regions.  He said:

“WINSS aims to address this demand and provide professionals with transferable skills and ‘real world’ experience essential to the job market.  Access to a strong research base and highly skilled professionals is a key consideration for companies from indigenous SMEs to multinationals. It is pivotal to securing current R&D activities as well as stimulating future regional growth and attracting new investment to the region,” he said.

The project has four main aims:

  • generate cross-border economic activity by creating a strong applied research base in the human and animal health sectors;
  • establish a training network that will address skills gaps and increase the number of highly skilled professionals with expertise in new and emerging technologies;
  • provide a re-training opportunity for those affected by the economic downturn;
  • establish the “Wales Ireland Network for Scientific Skills” to bring together industry and academia to discuss challenges, promote skills and training and encourage the exchange of ideas and communication between stakeholders.

For further information visit the WINSS project website.