A new Virtual Reality (VR) programme, designed specifically for workplace health and safety training, has been launched by Technological University (TU) Dublin and BioPharmaChem Skillnet, one of 70 Skillnet Business Networks nationwide.
The programme is the third course co-developed by the Skillnet Business Network and TU Dublin, which harnesses the power of VR and offers an innovative approach to mixed reality training for diverse industries. The VR technology provides a seamless interface with existing simulations in a modular framework to train staff across many sectors in Ireland.
It follows on from the success of the previous two VR programmes ‘Aseptic Techniques for Biomanufacturing,’ and ‘Power Handling’, both of which were nominated for multiple innovation and industry awards. The new programme was developed in collaboration with Dr Brian Vaughan, founder and director of the Virtual Interaction Research Lab (VIRal) at TU Dublin. VIRal is a cutting edge virtual and augmented reality R&D environment, in a large, dedicated space.
BioPharmaChem Skillnet provides upskilling to businesses of all sizes in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, medical device, and chemical supply sectors. The network’s mission is to further advance Ireland’s position as a world leader in health innovation through leading-edge talent development solutions.
Pictured at the prorgramme launch in January 2024 (l-r): David Gardiner (TU Dublin), Siobhan Broughan (Skillnet), Susan Costello and Brendan Kellet (BioPharmaChem), Dr Brian Vaughn and Jazheel Luna (TU Dublin VIRaL), Sinead Keogh (IBEC), and Dr Paul Maguire (TU Dublin).
Dr Paul Maguire, TU Dublin’s Head of Innovation and Knowledge Transfer, acknowledged the importance of the ongoing collaboration between the research partners: “BioPharmaChem Skillnet is supporting one of the largest and most important sectors in Ireland, providing thousands of jobs.
This partnership highlights the world-leading research capabilities of Dr Brian Vaughan and this team in the VR/AR space and their ability and desire to solve immediate industry challenges. It also spotlights the excellent working relationship that TU Dublin has with BioPharmaChem Skillnet, facilitated by David Gardiner in TU Dublin Innovation via our Open Labs R&D outreach initiative.”
For further details about the new VR Health and Safety programme visit www.bpcskillnet.ie.
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