Niall O’Leary
Senior Vice President and Site Lead, Limerick at Regeneron
Bridging Academia and Industry: Regeneron’s Commitment to Irish Colleges and Universities
At Regeneron, our mission is to advance science and improve lives – but we know that real progress is only possible when industry and academia work hand-in-hand. Our partnerships with Irish colleges and universities are not just strategic; they are foundational to our vision for a thriving biotech sector in Ireland and beyond.
A Model for Collaboration
Since opening Ireland’s largest biotech facility in Limerick in 2014, Regeneron has built strong partnerships with Irish colleges. Our College Awards program, now in its seventh year and developed with the University of Limerick (UL), University College Cork (UCC), and, most recently, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), bridges academic study and industry experience. Over the past three years, we have hired more than 100 former interns – mostly from UL, TUS, and UCC – highlighting the success of these collaborations.
This year marks a significant milestone: the inclusion of TUS students from the BSc Biotechnology with Biopharmaceutical Science program. Regeneron employees helped shape the curriculum to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet industry needs, aligning modules like Biotechnology, Bioprocessing, and Chromatography with manufacturing and quality control practices.
Empowering Future Leaders
The Regeneron College Awards bridge academic achievement and industry opportunity for Ireland’s top STEM students, recognizing excellence in biotechnology, engineering, and related fields through partnerships with leading universities.
Each year, award recipients are honored for their academic achievement and potential in biopharmaceutical science. Winners receive a monetary prize and a full-time internship at our Limerick site, gaining hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to advanced research and manufacturing.
Regeneron celebrates these achievements with an awards ceremony where students, families, and faculty tour the facility, connect with staff, and experience our collaborative culture – often marking the beginning of their professional journey.
Commenting on the Regeneron–TUS partnership and its impact on graduate career opportunities, TUS President Prof. Vincent Cunnane said: “For the third year running, TUS graduates are the most employable in the country, with 85.5% of our students securing employment within nine months of completing their studies – significantly outperforming the national average. This achievement reflects our mission as a university deeply connected to industry and to our regions and firmly focused on our students’ success. The partnership between TUS and Regeneron is a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing education and industry in our region.
By working together to shape our biotechnology curriculum and by providing students with invaluable real-world experience, we are empowering the next generation of scientific leaders and strengthening the economic and innovative future of our regions and beyond.
Our students benefit not only from academic excellence but also from direct exposure to the skills, mentorship, and career opportunities that prepare them to make a significant impact in the biopharmaceutical sector – locally and globally.”
Driving Innovation Through Partnership
Academic–industry partnerships are vital for advancing science and preparing students with real-world skills. Through collaborative curriculum development and hands-on experiences, we ensure graduates are equipped to address future challenges, emphasizing data integrity, patient safety, and smart biomanufacturing.
A Shared Vision for Growth
Looking ahead, Regeneron is committed to further engaging with Irish colleges and universities, investing in emerging talent, and strengthening both our organisation and Ireland’s biotech sector.
Together, we are building a legacy of innovation, opportunity, and shared success – one student, one partnership, and one breakthrough at a time.
