Clare student receives prestigious Regeneron award

Three University of Limerick students, including one from County Clare, have received prestigious awards from biopharmaceutical firm Regeneron, which has a significant facility in Limerick.

Chemical and biochemical engineering student Kate Storan from Dooradoyle, along with industrial biochemistry students Eva McMahon, from Ardnacrusha and Anna Feenan from Cork were presented with their awards at a special ceremony which took place in the company's premises in Raheen.

The prizes are designed to mark exceptional research projects undertaken by third-level students studying for degrees in science and engineering.

Students were given the chance to compete for awards in quality control, manufacturing or engineering depending on their specific field of study.

They were tasked with the exciting challenge of developing a project based on a topic provided by Regeneron.

They then had the chance to present their work to a group of business representatives, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing them to engage directly with Regeneron colleagues.

The three winners have received a bursary to help their academic pursuits.

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And on top of this, they are working in a paid internship at Regeneron, where they are currently on their co-operative education placement, and the guidance of a Regeneron employee mentor to help navigate the early stages of their careers.

Niall O’Leary, senior vice-president, and site lead at Regeneron Raheen said: “These awards represent our commitment to nurturing talent and helping develop leaders of the future. We congratulate all three award recipients; their perseverance and talent exemplify the spirit of UL’s commitment to fostering academic excellence.”

Co-operative educational manager Dr Colm Cunniffe, science and education at UL added: “These awards showcase the high calibre of our students. We are very proud to have an ongoing relationship with Regeneron through our co-operative education programme which gives our undergraduates a fantastic opportunity to gain world-class experience at one of the world’s most innovative companies located here in Limerick.”

Located in the former Dell production facility at the Raheen Industrial Estate, Regeneron has become one of the largest employers in the Mid-West with over 1,000 on its books locally.

Staff manufacture critical medicines to people with serious diseases worldwide.