A new €57 million National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) was officially opened today by Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock.

The 6,500 sq metre, purpose-built facility is a collaboration between four higher education institutes – University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Institute of Technology, Sligo and Dublin City University - and is supported by the IDA and the Government.

The aim of the teaching and research facility is to replicate an industrial bioprocessing environment, allowing trainees the opportunity to learn and practice complex technical bioprocessing procedures.

"This new facility will play a vital role in training personnel for the bioprocessing industry in Ireland," said institute chairman Joe Harford.

"The availability of such excellent research facilities and highly skilled staff will also support IDA Ireland as it seeks to attract further biopharmaceutical companies to establish operations here. Our ability to successfully integrate ground-breaking research with world class training and education makes NIBRT globally unique."

Ireland is a key location for the life sciences industry, with nine of the top 10 global companies based here. The sector employs over 47,000 staff between indigenous and multinational companies in the areas of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices and diagnostics.

Exports last year were in excess of €46 billion, representing 42 per cent of total exports from Ireland.