UCC and Centocor today (23 June 2006) announced a Partnership whereby
several joint programmes have been agreed in the areas of recruitment,
student placement, student sponsorship and other academic/industry
links. In a speech to mark the occasion President Wrixon noted:
"We are very happy to announce this partnership between Centocor
Biologics and UCC which is the first step in what we believe will be a
significant, mutually beneficial and long-term relationship. The
association with UCC has of course already started and UCC graduates
currently account for approximately 20% of the Centocor workforce."
The President also commented on the value of such interactions to
Ireland: "In recent years there has been an increased level of
interaction between Academic Institutes and the Industrial
Sector. Ireland's economy has benefited from the products and
services provided by technology based industries that are fuelled by a
highly educated workforce. These industries are predominately staffed
by third level graduates and UCC, along with its educational partners
in the region, is committed to the continuing provision of high quality
graduates to meet these needs."
In conclusion the President commented: "We are very confident that
through this partnership we will progressively build on this strong
foundation into the future and that the resultant innovative medicines
will benefit the company, the university and society as a whole."
Paul Treacy, General Manager Centocor Biologics Ireland, added:
"One of the main drivers that convinced Centocor (Johnson &
Johnson) to locate in Cork was the proximity to first rate academic
institutions, such as UCC, that could guarantee a consistent supply of
highly qualified graduates. Centocor Biologics is the 5th Johnson &
Johnson manufacturing operation to have located in the Munster region
and, to date, our experience of the quality of the Irish educational
system, gained through these investments, has been very favourable. We
will be continuing to rely on the local educational establishments to
partner with us in ensuring that the critical human resource
infrastructure required to support these high technology investments is
both maintained and improved. We consider the partnership with UCC as a
strategic investment in the future of our business and look forward to
a longstanding and fruitful relationship."
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