Life sciences

Northern Ireland is a prime location for life science businesses, thanks to a unique combination of fresh talent and world-class research capabilities.

The sector, which employs around 4,000, includes key players such as Almac, Fusion Antibodies, Gambro, MDS Pharma Services, Norbrook, Perfecseal, Randox Laboratories and Warner Chilcott.

Businesses of this calibre have been attracted by Northern Ireland’s highly competitive cost base, its excellent telecoms infrastructure and the ready availability of skilled employees. Read about Northern Ireland as a cost-efficient location.

The sector benefits from strong links and close cooperation between academia and industry in commercialising university research. 

Through indigenous growth and global acquisition sales and employment levels have increased rapidly in recent years.

Significant investment

Industry, academia and Government have made significant commitments to the fast-developing life sciences sector over the past five years.

In excess of $160 million has been budgeted for infrastructure enhancement, attracting Government support totalling $60 million.

Businesses have also committed $340 million to strategic investment, including approved Government assistance of almost $70 million.

This outstanding level of investment (almost $125,000 per employee) emphasises the region’s commitment to developing the sector.

Educated support

A highly educated, young workforce and an internationally recognised research base are available to support the sector.

Each year almost 4,000 life science graduates qualify from Northern Ireland universities.

This means the levels of expertise and the numbers of people attracted to work and study in the life and health sciences sector should continue to develop.

Download the life sciences sector profile for an overview of the life sciences industry in Northern Ireland (PDF).

Download the life sciences brochure for an outline of the sector in Northern Ireland (PDF)