Supporting Future Talent in the UK & Ireland
Ipsen has a long-standing commitment to promoting careers in science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and has a variety of graduate and apprenticeship schemes open to young people with a passion for science. Ipsen is looking across its UK and Ireland business to ensure career opportunities are equal to people from all backgrounds.
Ipsen’s first graduate programme began in October 2018 from our Wrexham site. Two graduates began our 24-month training programme, supporting the Manufacturing Technical and Quality Aseptic functions. Our graduates benefitted from the full insight into both the manufacturing and quality processes at our site.
In September 2020 we welcomed our first three graduates onto the Specialty Care Graduate Development Programme. The 18 months spent with Ipsen enabled them to rotate through three departments for six months at a time, gaining insights into functions such as Business and Customer Excellence, Corporate Affairs, Medical Affairs, Finance and Marketing.
The graduate programme continues within our commercial business, developing and furthering young talent within the pharmaceutical industry. In September 2024 we welcomed our latest intake of graduates who will spend 18 months in Marketing, Business & Customer Excellence, and External Affairs.
In 2017, Ipsen Biopharm was nominated as one of only three finalists at the UK STEM Inspiration awards in the ‘Employer – Large Companies’ category.
Key highlights from the Future of Science Survey
In July 2021, Ipsen launched ‘The Future of Science’ survey with New Scientist, targeting young people (aged 7-21 years old) to understand their current perceptions of careers in science. The survey revealed that 41% of the young people said the pandemic had increased their interest in science and medical careers, with 83% of respondents believing they would consider a career into these areas.
2 in 5 young people felt science and medicine related jobs are not equally accessible to people from all ethnic backgrounds and genders, with this belief increasing with age and rising to 51% of the 16–21-year-old sub-population.
35% of 16- to 21-year-olds said they have not had a conversation about university courses or career options in medical and life sciences at school.
5 in 6 young people have considered becoming a doctor or scientist and 41% said the Covid-19 pandemic had increased their interest in these careers.
John Chaddock, R&D Business Strategy Head, comments:
Whilst it is encouraging to learn that the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted more young people to consider a career in science, it is worrying that gender and ethnicity present potential barriers. It is imperative we heed the issues highlighted by this research and work collectively with peers in both government and the life sciences industry to address them in order to ensure the UK remains at the cutting edge of scientific research.
Watch below the Future of Science animation:
Future Talent in Ireland
Ipsen has a long-standing commitment to promoting careers in science and STEM, and has a variety of graduate and apprenticeship schemes open to young people with a passion for science. Ipsen is looking across its UK and Ireland business to ensure career opportunities are equal to people from all backgrounds.
In Ireland we partner with Dublin City University, providing work placements for students. These students have the opportunity to learn more about the pharmaceutical industry and shadow experienced employees. We also engage with the DCU Access to the Workplace programme, where third level education is made attainable to talented students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds through the provision of summer internships for students to gain professional experience.
At Ipsen Ireland we are proud to welcome colleagues from diverse backgrounds and from sectors outside the pharmaceutical industry. We also encourage development throughout your career at Ipsen. Learn more from Courtney, Eric, and Ian in the videos below.
Employee Spotlight – Courtney Watters
Meet Courtney, a Manufacturing Technologist at Ipsen Ireland. Her career at Ipsen, transitioning from a social care background, is a testament to the alternative pathways available to those working in other industries who want to be part of a team delivering transformative medicines that improve the lives of patients in need across oncology, rare diseases and neuroscience.
Employee Spotlight – Eric Kirwan
For Eric, working at Ipsen has allowed him to progress his career through on-the-job learning and sponsorship of two college degrees. He has tailored his skills and abilities to make a positive impact on the lives of patients, all with the support of his Ipsen colleagues.
Employee Spotlight – Ian Fox
Ian is a Senior CPD Chemist at Ipsen Ireland. Having worked with Ipsen Ireland since 2012, he’s seen how the drug development process at Ipsen is fuelled by passionate people who are focused on positive patient outcomes.
CRSC-GB-000173
November 2024
