INTERNET
New website to promote careers in medtech
12-02-2008
by Stephen Errity
Lobby group IBEC has launched a new website aimed at stimulating interest in the medical technology sector.
The 'IMAGINE careers in medical technology' website has been developed by IBEC's Irish Medical Devices Association (IMDA). It aims to boost interest in careers in science and engineering by highlighting the available opportunities in the medical technology sector.
Speaking to ENN, IMDA executive Dr Sinead Keogh described the importance of the medical tech sector to Ireland's economy. "We employ more people per capita in this sector than any other country in Europe and we're continuing to win huge investment in the area," she explained. "We need to move into high-level R&D in order to stay competitive, which means doubling the number of Ph.Ds we produce by 2013."
Speaking at the launch of the new website, Dr. Keogh added: "This is the first time a single website has provided comprehensive information on careers, companies, products, services, emerging technologies and companies' schools initiatives, including school tours. It will be a platform for interaction between medtech companies and educational institutions."
She added that the site was developed in response to the huge demand for the Association's IMAGINE magazine that was published in 2007 and sent to every second-level school in the country.
Also present at the launch was Michael O'Donovan, the CEO and founder of Cork-based Audit Diagnostics. "Career opportunities for graduates in the sector's 150 companies will be exceptionally strong, perhaps uniquely so in Ireland, given that seven of the world's top 12 companies are located here, alongside a thriving indigenous base," he commented.
O'Donovan also took the opportunity to demonstrate 'Liqui-Stat', a new blood and urine analysis device developed by his company product at its Cork plant, which employs 50 people.
Last week, medical device firm Zimmer became the latest medtech employer to set up shop in Ireland. The company's new manufacturing base in the Shannon Free Zone is set to create 250 jobs in the region and promises investment of EUR50 million in the first two years.
The IMAGINE website, was launched by RTE children's TV presenter Emma O'Driscoll during the STEPS to engineering Week of Wonder in Limerick. Supported by Discover Science and Engineering, it can be viewed at www.imda.ie/imagine
Caped Koala Studios has built a virtual world for kids, combining education and social networking 