CONTRACT development and manufacturing organisation, Almac, has supported three of its employees through a new, tailored MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis degree undertaken at Queen’s University Belfast.
The Almac Sciences’ employees, Alison Quinn, an analytical chemist, Robert Elliott, a data and document reviewer and chemist Laura McGee recently graduated together during a ceremony at Queen’s University Belfast.
In an effort to encourage young people and students to continue their study of science, in particular, chemistry, Almac contributed vital input into the MSc curriculum and helped shape its programmes.
Employees across Almac Sciences were invited to express interest in undertaking the two-year, part-time Pharmaceutical Analysis course and the three who put their names forward were funded by the organisation and went on to pass the intensive programme.
During their studies Laura, Robert, and Alison continued to work four days a week at Almac’s global headquarters in Craigavon, where they used their enhanced understanding of theoretical analytical techniques taken from the degree programme to better develop and troubleshoot analytical methods for Almac’s clients.
Almac benefited greatly from the increased knowledge and applied learning introduced to the business while enabling the graduates to progress and develop their own careers.
Considering the success of this year’s graduates and the positive impact on both an individual and business level, Almac will continue to fund and support employees through this Pharmaceutical Analysis Master’s Degree. Two more employees have already enrolled in this year’s course and the number is expected to grow in the future as more new graduates are recruited into the business.
Stephen Barr, President & MD, Almac Sciences commented: “This is a unique opportunity for our employees to be part of something new which will enable them to develop their careers while bringing insight and new techniques to our business. We are also proud to support other initiatives which drive interest in science and encourage young people to become equipped with the skills and qualifications needed by world leading life sciences companies such as Almac.”