The ASSERT Centre
The
ASSERT Centre (Application of Science to Simulation-based Education and Research on Training) is UCC’s premier healthcare-focused facility, founded in 2015 within the Brookfield Health Science Complex. It combines
education,
training,
research, and
innovation through technology-enhanced and simulation-based learning to improve patient care and safety.
Core Mission & Vision
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Mission: Use science-based training and VR/simulation technologies to develop both technical and non-technical healthcare skills to predefined proficiency standards—moving beyond traditional time-based learning models to assured competencies.
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Vision: To become a Centre of Excellence for medical, surgical, and allied-health training in Europe.
Key Features & Facilities
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Hi-Fidelity Simulation Suites: Realistic wards, ICU, operating theatres, full audio-visual recording for debrief and research.
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Cadaveric & Procedural Labs: For hands-on surgical skills, including weekly temporal bone labs—a unique offering in Ireland.
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Virtual Reality & Endovascular Simulation: In partnership with Mentice Sweden, ASSERT excels in vascular and endovascular simulation training.
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Proficiency-Based Learning: Metric-driven training programs ensure mastery before clinical application.
Collaboration & Impact
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ABC Ecosystem: Integrates Academia, Business, and Clinical partners to innovate effective healthcare solutions.
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Clinical Partnerships: Delivers accredited training (CPR, trauma, bronchoscopy, etc.) in tandem with Irish healthcare bodies.
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Industry Collaboration: Works with global industry leaders like Mentice to bring cutting-edge simulation technologies to UCC.
Educational & Research Focus
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Supports deliberate practice to precise standards, reducing medical error and enhancing patient outcomes.
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Enables clinicians, researchers, and industry partners to co-create and test innovations in a robust simulated environment tackling real-world healthcare challenges.
Course Offerings & Users
ASSERT delivers a range of programs: CPR, trauma, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, vascular simulation, internship rotations, and more, aimed at students, trainees, and seasoned healthcare professionals.
In Summary
The ASSERT Centre is UCC’s
cutting-edge hub for simulation-led healthcare training and research. With its state-of-the-art facilities, rigorous proficiency-based programs, and strong academic-clinical-industry partnerships, it actively contributes toward safer and more effective healthcare delivery—both in Ireland and internationally.