Official Speaker

Patricia

Quane

Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair

Expert Group on Future Skills Needs(EGFSN) for Biopharma Industry

"‘Please Mind the Gap’: Bridging BioPharma Jobs & Future Talent"Patricia Quane is Chair of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs for the Biopharma Industry (since 2022) and the South-West Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee (since 2021). She serves on the board of Taighde Éireann/Research Ireland, the national research and innovation funding agency. A former Vice President and General Manager of Astellas Ireland Co. Ltd. (2008–2020), Patricia was Chair of BioPharmaChem Ireland in 2019. Following her retirement, she has focused on skills development, talent management, and resource optimization in organizations. A Chartered Director with a strong dedication to regional economic development and sustainability, Patricia was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Kerry Business Leaders in 2023.

Panel Sypnosis

"‘Please Mind the Gap’: Bridging BioPharma Jobs & Future Talent"The biopharma manufacturing sector in Ireland faces critical challenges in workforce planning. Patricia will address key questions: • Are companies struggling to fill current and anticipated vacancies? • How can future skills needs be identified effectively? • What strategies can improve employee retention? This talk will highlight the progress made on the Future Skills Needs Action Plan and explore the disconnects between education providers, employers, and employees. Patricia will provide actionable insights to bridge these gaps and ensure the biopharma industry thrives in an evolving landscape.