News
UCC School of Pharmacy Hosts Japanese Academics and Industry Leaders to Discuss QP Role and Education
The School of Pharmacy, UCC recently welcomed distinguished Japanese academics, Dr Shingo Sakurai, Dr Ryoko Naruse and Dr Osamu Hiruta, along with colleagues Hisatoshi Ito and Tomohiko Takemi from FUJIFILM Toyama Chemical Co. for a visit focused on learning more about the UCC’s Qualified Person (QP) training program.
Dr Sakurai, Dr Naruse and Dr Hiruta are former senior regulators with Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) and now lead regulatory research and teaching groups at the Tokyo University of Science, the University of Toyama and Kumamoto Health Science University, respectively. Mr Ito and Mr Takemi hold senior roles within the FUJIFILM corporation, in Toyama prefecture. The group, accompanied by Dr Kevin O’Donnell from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and their interpreter, Claire Fitzpatrick, were welcomed by Prof Brendan Griffin (Head of School), Prof Caitriona O’Driscoll (Chair in Pharmaceutics), Dr Joey O’Shea (Course Director - MSc in Pharmaceutical Technology and Quality Systems) and Adjunct Professor Frank Hallinan.
During their visit, the delegation engaged in discussions with faculty members about the unique role of the QP in the European pharmaceutical ecosystem, and the structure and content of the QP training program, including its modules, teaching methods, examination processes and the requirements for student completion. The visitors were warmly received, and the exchange of knowledge highlighted the international relevance of UCC’s QP education. The visit reflects the School of Pharmacy’s commitment to fostering global connections and sharing best practices in pharmaceutical education and training. The School of Pharmacy looks forward to future opportunities for collaboration with our esteemed colleagues and their respective organisations.