ULSTER University and Crumlin-headquartered Randox Laboratories have announced a new £5 million industrial PhD academy to help cement the north's position as a world leader in the life sciences sector.
Up to ten PhD researchers will be supported each year as part of the academy, including Randox employees and individuals from the wider sector, who are working on a range of scientific projects, with the ultimate goal of new product development.
Ulster University and Randox will each fully fund up to five PhD researchers annually.
To date PhD researchers enrolled in the new programme of industrial research have started projects in areas of medicine including mental health, diabetes and cancer, with more projects being developed. All projects share the common goal of delivering new diagnostic approaches for early detection of disease and earlier intervention where possible.
Ulster University Professor of personalised medicine, Tara Moore said the partnership will improve the lives of patients.
“The life sciences sector is of critical importance to our economy and health. To truly maximise our contribution to the economy and to fully exploit new advances in science and technology we must focus on advancing the skills of our workforce, ensuring the most talented people reach their full potential by working with partners to tackle new challenges and drive new discoveries. A strong and growing life sciences sector ensures patients will continue to benefit from new technologies which will help to improve diagnosis getting them the treatment they need quickly.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald, managing director of Randox Laboratories, added:
“In the last four months, we have made significant investments within Northern Ireland, in both R&D infrastructure and now in helping aspirational scientists at Ulster University to develop the critical skills to make a positive difference to patient healthcare around the world. We are unapologetically ambitious in our determination to cement Northern Ireland’s reputation as a global hub for life sciences and our own position as a worldwide leader.”
