IEA Life Sciences Exporters Forum Comes to Cork
The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) today announces that it will host a Life Sciences Exporters Forum on Tuesday, 12th May 2026 at Fota Island Resort, Co. Cork. This is the first of two Forums which the IEA will run in conjunction with Aramex and Biocar in 2026. Running from 08:30 to 13:00, the half-day event brings together exporters, researchers, industry leaders, and innovators from across Ireland’s life sciences sector for a morning of expert insight, open discussion, and peer connection. The second Form will take place in the Autumn.
Ireland’s life sciences sector is one of the most significant contributors to the country’s export economy, and the companies behind that success face a demanding and fast-changing global environment. The forum is designed to give those companies the tools and connections they need to keep moving forward.
Sponsored by Aramex and Biocair, the event will cover the current global trade climate for exporters, the practicalities of scaling internationally, and the compliance challenges companies encounter as they enter and expand in global markets.
A highlight of the morning will be a keynote address from Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD, alongside a panel discussion on Cork’s position as a centre for life sciences research, collaboration, and investment. The speaker line-up draws from across Irish life sciences manufacturing and research, including representatives from, Ana Bio, Alexion, Bausch & Lomb, Maynooth University, CABR, HRB-TMRC, and University College Cork.
The forum concludes with a networking lunch.
Simon McKeever, CEO, IEA:
“Ireland’s life sciences exporters are operating at the sharp end of global trade. The regulatory demands are significant, the logistics are complex, and the stakes are high. This forum is an opportunity for companies across the south west to come together, hear from experts who understand those pressures, and take something practical back to their businesses. We are delighted to bring this event to Cork and to have the support of Aramex and Biocair in making it happen. The speaker line-up for Cork draws on some of the most respected names in Irish life sciences manufacturing and research. We look forward to welcoming the life sciences community to Cork and to building on this series in the years ahead.”
Frank Kilbride, Director and Country Manager, Aramex Ireland:
“Ireland’s life sciences sector is one of the country’s most significant export drivers, operating in highly regulated and complex global markets where compliance, reliability, and speed to market are critical. As a logistics partner, Aramex plays a key role in enabling these businesses to move products efficiently and securely across international markets.
We are delighted to support the IEA Life Sciences Exporters Forum in Cork alongside Biocair, providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and helping exporters build resilience for continued global growth.”
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, 12th May 2026
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Location: Fota Island Resort, Fota Island, Co. Cork, T45 HX62
Tickets: Register here.
For information about the event, contact niamhmcdermott@irishexporters.ie
Agenda
08:30 - Registration & Networking Breakfast
09:00 - Opening Remarks
- Simon McKeever, CEO, Irish Exporters Association
- Frank Kilbride, Country Manager, Aramex
09:10 - Keynote Address
- Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Development & Community Development, Department of Rural and Community Development
09:30 - Industry Voices: Exporting at Scale from Cork
Alexion, Ana Bio, PFGI10:30 – Tea & Coffee
10:50 - Deep Dive: Compliance in Practice
11:20 - From Clinical to Commercial – How Ireland is positioned for Life Science collaboration and partnerships?
- Dr. Shirley O’Dea, Associate Professor, Maynooth University & Board Member, ISGCT
- Dr. Tim Yeomans, Centre Manager, Centre for Applied Bioscience Research
- Mark Tangney, Professor, University College Cork
11:50 – Closing Remarks
12:00 – Networking Lunch
Aramex
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Mark Anthony Regional Business Development Manager
- April 10, 2026
- (021) 488-1122
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