SSPC’s Impact Report Reveals €1.3 Billion Contribution to Biopharma Sector

The SSPC Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceuticals, hosted by the University of Limerick, has published an impactful report detailing its significant contributions to the national economy. Since its inception in 2008, the centre has generated over €1.3 billion in economic impact, yielding a remarkable 26-fold return on core investment. This achievement solidifies Ireland’s status as a global leader in the biopharmaceutical sector.

The SSPC has played a vital role in attracting €3.7 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) while simultaneously fostering the growth of domestic enterprises. For every €1 of public and industry funding received, the SSPC has produced an impressive €5.27 for the Irish economy. A key example of this dual impact is the company APC-VLE Ltd, co-founded in 2011 by SSPC alumnus Dr. Mark Barrett and SSPC co-founder Professor Brian Glennon. From its humble beginnings as a two-person start-up, APC-VLE has evolved into a global leader and is now investing €100 million to establish a ‘Medicine Accelerator’, which will create 300 new roles.

Strengthening Ireland’s Talent Pool

The SSPC has supported over 397 alumni, with 65% of its PhD graduates from the first decade transitioning directly into industry roles. Notably, 57% of international alumni have chosen to remain in Ireland, reinforcing the nation’s skill base and addressing critical talent shortages in the biopharmaceutical sector. This retention of talent contributes significantly to the so-called ‘brain gain’ that benefits the country.

To ensure sustained talent development, the SSPC’s Education and Public Engagement programme has reached more than 5.6 million people worldwide. This initiative promotes scientific literacy and understanding of medicines, while SSPC researchers actively participate in international educational research that shapes policy and delivers societal benefits.

Professor Damien Thompson, SSPC Scientific Director, emphasized the importance of research in driving impact. He stated, “At SSPC, world-class research is the engine of our impact. This report showcases our proven success in building a research ecosystem that acts as a magnet for global investment and cultivates a pipeline of exceptional scientific talent.”

The Future of Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ireland

Dr. Diarmuid O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer of Research Ireland, remarked on the necessity for Ireland to maintain its leadership in pharmaceutical research and innovation. He noted, “The SSPC Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceuticals exemplifies this mission by advancing cutting-edge science, forging strategic partnerships and producing the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists and process engineers.”

UL Vice President of Research and Innovation, Professor Kevin Ryan, expressed pride in the achievements of the SSPC. He stated, “As host of SSPC, University of Limerick is proud to see such a resounding success for Irish research and the national economy. The SSPC report demonstrates the valuable work being carried out at the centre and the significant impact it is having on Ireland’s economy.”

SSPC is a collaborative ecosystem of interdisciplinary research, comprising 81 scientific leaders from ten of Ireland’s premier research organizations. This network connects researchers with collaborators across 54 countries on six continents, driving global innovation. With partnerships extending to over 50 industry allies, SSPC has successfully completed more than 201 collaborative research projects, including pioneering initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability in biopharmaceutical production.

The SSPC’s commitment to research and innovation is evident through initiatives like the Multi-Product Resin Reuse Project, which aims to make antibody medicine production more cost-effective and environmentally responsible. As Ireland continues to attract global investment linked to pharmaceuticals, the SSPC stands at the forefront of advancing the nation’s competitive edge in biopharmaceutical innovation for years to come.