Noel is a Senior Software Engineer at Boston Scientific Galway, Ireland where he integrates enterprise, equipment, and process data to enable real-time analytics and support data-driven operational and strategic applications across the organization. Noel holds a B.Sc. in Computer Systems and brings over 20 years of experience in the financial and medical device industries. His expertise lies in integrating manufacturing equipment data and channelling it into enterprise systems. For the past two years, Noel has played a key role on the Data Science Site Alignment team, focusing on data analytics and machine learning initiatives.
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Carlos is an Industrial Engineer with a career that spans over two decades in the private sector. Holding a PhD in Artificial Intelligence applied to manufacturing, he has dedicated his expertise to the intersection of AI and industrial processes, with a focus on optimisation and efficiency. Currently, he serves as the Head of AI Strategy at IMR, where he works on steering the centre's AI initiatives towards enhancing the efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability of Irish manufacturing companies.
Throughout his career, Carlos has been an active participant in numerous European projects, contributing his knowledge and insights as a researcher. He is well-regarded for his expertise in both research and strategic assessments, particularly through his work with the SMART Eureka cluster in advanced manufacturing. As a member of the technical committee, he contributes to the advancement of the sector with his evaluations and inputs.
Chris is a Director in EY’s Business Consulting practice, focussed on Supply Chain & and Manufacturing Transformation. Chris has been with EY for 10 years & has been leading a number of Digital manufacturing engagements focussed on Manufacturing Intelligence, Operational Excellence & more recently supporting our teams integrate AI into our Manufacturing client’s processes
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Dr Patrick Cronin is a mechanical engineer with over 15 years' experience working on complex processing problems for manufacturing in mideical device, pharmaceuticals, semiconductor and food sectors. He has been developing and innovating in digital technologies where he has been granted multiple patents and literature published for process solutions. At IMR Patrick has led a number of collaborative projects focused and on digitalisation, and supported companies on their Ai strategies.
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Adrienne Mc Donnell is a Senior Executive with Irish Medtech, the Ibec sector representing Ireland’s globally recognised medical technology industry. Since joining Ibec in 2000, Adrienne has played a pivotal role in shaping strategy and policy across multiple sectors, including medtech, engineering, software, and food and drink.
In her current role, Adrienne leads the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Strategy for Irish Medtech, advancing Ireland’s position as a global hub for innovation-driven healthcare solutions. She actively represents the sector at both European and national level through her membership on Orgalim’s RDI and Digital Transformation Working Groups and MedTech Europe’s RDI Working Group, contributing to shaping European innovation and digital policy for advanced technologies.
Adrienne has authored multiple policy papers on Advanced Manufacturing, Apprenticeships and R&D Tax Credits and Innovation Supports, and has been a prominent voice in lobbying for improvements to Ireland’s Clinical Trials ecosystem, advocating for a more agile, innovation-friendly regulatory environment.
She was instrumental in lobbying for the establishment of a national advanced discrete manufacturing centre, a vision realised through the creation of Digital Manufacturing Ireland. Her strategic foresight and stakeholder engagement also led to the successful development and expansion of Ireland’s Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeships at Levels 6 and 7—initiatives that are now cornerstones of Ireland’s skills pipeline. Adrienne is particularly proud to support the introduction of the new Level 8 Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship, further reinforcing career progression pathways in high-tech manufacturing.
Previously, Adrienne held responsibility for Operational Excellence, Marketing & Communications, Compliance, and Entrepreneurship within the Irish Medtech Association. She led the Association’s 2019 pre-Budget submission “Safeguard Ireland’s Manufacturing Future,” which called for strategic investment in advanced manufacturing infrastructure and innovation.
Adrienne began her Ibec career in the Finance Department, where she implemented a new procurement policy across the organisation, before moving to sectoral policy and advocacy roles in 2005. Her early work involved representing Ireland’s Software, Cellular, and Food & Drink sectors at national and EU levels.
Adrienne holds a degree in Business Studies from Waterford Institute of Technology, a Master’s in Marketing from the National College of Ireland, and additional qualifications in PR and Digital Marketing. Prior to joining Ibec, she held roles with Boston Scientific, Dublin Airport Authority, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Leads and provides cross-sectoral policy services and represents the Irish business group, Ibec with national, D9+ group, EU and OECD partners on digital and AI policy affairs. Has over 25 years national and international policy experience, representing Irish business. Has previously held senior roles with Ibec on EU affairs in Brussels; energy, climate, and the green transition. Has third level qualifications in analytical science, environmental science, economic policy, EU law, cyberpsychology, digital policy and strategy. Before working with Ibec, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry.
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James Lardner is a Fellow Software Engineer at Boston Scientific Galway, Ireland where he leads a team in the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies in highly regulated environments. James holds a B.Sc degree in Mathematical Science and Computer Studies from the University of Galway and has over 20 years of experience working in the medical device and telecommunication industries. His primary focus in MedTech is manufacturing equipment data integration methodologies and it’s collection into enterprise systems. For the last 5 years, James has played an integral part in forming and leading the site manufacturing digitalisation transformation strategy and has focused on the development and rollout strategies to deploy the latest technology into Boston Scientific’s manufacturing environments.
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Jennifer McCormack leads the Connected Health Skillnet, an industry-led learning and development network established to address the skills needs arising from the convergence of the medtech, pharma and technology sectors in digital health. Jennifer works closely with industry and education partners to develop and deliver training initiatives and cross-sectoral knowledge sharing events focussed on digital health. She also oversaw the development of Irelands first ecosystem map, skills needs analysis and skills framework for Digital Health.
Since 2018, Connected Health Skillnet has engaged with over 250 companies across the medtech, pharma, technology, and digital health sectors to upskill 2000+ trainees in key areas including medical device software, quality and regulatory, cybersecurity, needs-led innovation and leadership development. The Networks objective is to enhance the capability of Ireland and Irish based companies to become leaders in the development and commercialisation of digital health solutions by building a world class, multi-disciplinary talent base to support the sector.
Envisioning strategy from the future back to today is Filip’s passion and expertise. As founder of Stragilon, the strategy consultancy he started in Berlin in 2015, he helps organisations navigate rapid change by combining innovative organisational models with practical execution. His focus is on empowering teams to translate vision into action and to achieve sustainable results.
With a career spanning global companies such as Cisco Systems, BiogenIdec, Tosoh, and Medtech Europe, Filip brings both corporate and entrepreneurial experience to his work. He has supported leading organisations including Santander, the Irish Medtech Association, and the Wikimedia Foundation in building strategies for agility and innovation in fast-changing environments.
Filip also teaches at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin and leads the Innovation Faculty of the MBA at Collège des Ingénieurs in Turin and Paris. His current work explores how organisations can harness AI, system thinking, and future-back strategy to rethink ways of working, especially in sectors like manufacturing where transformation is both a necessity and an opportunity.
A passionate snowboarder in winter and surfer in summer, Filip is fascinated by linguistics and speaks 11 languages, a reflection of his truly international career and outlook.”
David Bermingham is Director of AI at the Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing (AIM) Centre, where he leads the National AI Studio—an initiative dedicated to accelerating AI adoption and innovation across Ireland’s manufacturing sector. With extensive experience in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and industrial automation, David is responsible for spearheading research, industry collaboration, and hands-on AI programmes that help manufacturing SMEs leverage cutting-edge AI solutions for greater productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness.”
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Dr Shane Loughlin is President of the ESE Academy and founder of SL Controls, with over three decades of experience at the intersection of engineering, automation, and life sciences. Shane has played a leading role in shaping Ireland’s approach to digital transformation in manufacturing, championing the development of Equipment Systems Engineering (ESE) as a recognized discipline and profession.
A practicing engineer and PhD graduate of TU Dublin, Shane’s work bridges industry and academia—from pioneering Ireland’s first NFQ Level 9 engineering apprenticeship to developing frameworks that help manufacturers navigate the challenges of Industry 4.0 and 5.0. He is a strong advocate for open engineering, professional upskilling, and collaborative innovation, and has contributed to national and international initiatives advancing digital supply chains, smart manufacturing, and sustainable industry.
Shane continues to mentor the next generation of engineers and works with industry, academia, and professional bodies to promote ethical, impactful, and future-ready engineering practice.
As the Site Operational Excellence and Industrial Digitalisation Manager @ Valeo, a worldwide leader in automotive solutions, I am committed to driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency throughout our value chain. With over 10 years of experience in the industry and high-volume discrete manufacturing processes, I have a strong foundation and built up my knowledge and expertise in lean manufacturing and digital transformation.
Our site is undergoing a significant physical and digital transformation to industrialise our new generation of automated equipment, producing cutting-edge products for our customers.
The physical transformation involves converting our entire production footprint into ISO-grade cleanrooms and delivering complex, fully automated production lines for our latest products. This transformation aims to create a pristine production environment that completely satisfies our current requirements and secures future business by meeting the needs and expectations of our customers.
The digital transformation focuses on leveraging digital technologies to enhance our manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and overall operations. This includes deploying real-time monitoring systems, MES and traceability solutions, electronic workstations, electronic planning and scheduling solutions, automated data analytics and insights, just to name a few - Our goal is to fully evolve into a SMART, integrated and paperless factory.
My mission, supported by my dedicated and truly wonderful team, is to successfully lead this ongoing transformation and spearhead initiatives that enhance productivity, increase efficiency, reduce waste, minimise costs, and cultivate a culture of excellence and positive change.
Sinead is the Life Sciences Digital Manufacturing Lead in the EY Data Analytics and AI organisation
Sinead has 8+ years industry experience in Data Analytics, Solution Delivery and Data Strategy in Life Sciences companies.
Sinead has led Digital Manufacturing solutions, strategies and data integration and convergence programs at Pfizer through COVID Vx ramp up & brings this experience to shape programs for EY Life Sciences clients through AI Lab sessions and project engagements.
Over 30 year’s experience in Operations, leading teams in Manufacturing, Supply chain, Engineering, Operational Excellence, Quality, Program Management and Site Facility functions in global blue chip and indigenous organisations.
Senior leadership roles held with West Pharmaceuticals, Siemens Healthineers, General Electric, Honeywell & Gillette.
A passion for driving high performance through self directed teams, leveraging operational excellence and advanced manufacturing technology across global platforms.
Qualified with a BSc (1:1) in Production Engineering from Trinity College Dublin, a Masters Degree in Product Innovation and Management from Middlesex University, and an MBA from Leicester University.
Led Industry collaboration initiatives, including the Irish Medtech Association’s Business Excellence model (MOR) development and the Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (Skillnets) implementation.
Actively involved with the (DMI) Advanced Manufacturing Centre, engaging with cross industry and academia bodies including the Human Centric Manufacturing Culture (HCMC) working group collaboration with MIT.
I enjoy coaching a junior soccer team and long distance running in my spare time.