Life science experts from Swansea University are looking forward to playing a key role in plans to forge even closer links between Wales and Ireland.
Celtic Advanced Life Sciences Network (CALIN), led by the University, is an Ireland-Wales Interreg operation which was set up to support research and development in life science small-medium enterprises in West Wales and East and South Ireland.
It was singled out for mention in a formal shared statement designed to increase cooperation and collaboration between the Welsh and Irish governments and their partners in the business, arts, sporting and community sectors.
The document, co-signed by First Minister Mark Drakeford and Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney, was revealed earlier this month and pledges to promote appropriate industrial collaboration in the Irish and Welsh life-sciences industries through CALIN.
Since it was established in 2016, Swansea and CALIN’s five other university partners – University College Dublin, Tyndall Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Bangor University and Cardiff University – have assisted more than 150 companies and established 40 short and medium-term collaborative projects.
The cross-border initiative teams a Welsh and Irish university with an SME to deliver developments in the life sciences.
CALIN support has led to more than 5 million euros of R&D investment from businesses with the creation of 20 new jobs.
CALIN’s Strategic Director Professor Steve Conlan, of Swansea University Medical School said: “Among its many exciting aims, this action plan seeks to promote industrial collaboration in the Irish and Welsh life-sciences industries.
“We are delighted that CALIN has been identified as a way of doing just that. We have a proven track record in establishing and supporting exciting new ventures and developments.
“To receive a stamp of approval from both governments will help us to not only continue to do this but go from strength to strength in this field.”
Are you an SME involved in the life science sector in Wales or Ireland? If you would like to be part of the growing number of businesses to benefit from the expertise of the CALIN network please get in touch.
