WuXi Biologics, which has pioneered the commercial biomanufacturing of biologics-based medicines, has been presented with the overall excellence award at The Life Sciences Industry Awards 2026.The awards gala at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin, brought together 212 industry professionals to celebrate outstanding achievement across Ireland’s life sciences sector. Hosted by Ivan Yates, the prestigious ceremony saw 20 trophies presented across a competitive field of 76 entries, spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology and laboratory solutions.WuXi Biologics first established its Irish presence in 2018 with a €325 million investment in a biologics drug substance manufacturing facility in Dundalk – the company’s first site outside of China – which operates around the clock using continuous bioprocessing technology and is also home to a vaccine production facility.The judging panel praised WuXi Biologics’ manufacturing science and technology team for delivering high-impact solutions that enhance operational performance and support the development of critical medicines worldwide. “Their expertise and commitment to quality have helped position the organisation at the forefront of the global life sciences sector,” the award citation read.Now in its fourth year, the Life Sciences Industry Awards has established itself as a flagship celebration of Irish innovation and excellence, honouring the companies, teams and individuals driving progress across one of Ireland’s most important industries. Dinny Crowe, vice president of operations at awards gold sponsor ABM Ireland, said the awards recognise that in life sciences, operational excellence is as vital as scientific innovation. “Digital transformation across our facilities including smarter workflows, real-time visibility and audit-ready systems deserve the same recognition as what happens on the manufacturing line,” he added.Judging coordinator Eamon Judge noted that awards participants are passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of humanity. “Whether it’s through the use of cutting-edge digital and AI technologies to develop new therapies and medical devices, or by driving operational excellence across their businesses, the award winners show that Ireland continues to punch well above its weight in the global life sciences industry,” he said.Winners of The Life Sciences Industry Awards 2026 Almac Sciences was recognised twice for its GMP-ready continuous flow platform, while Merit Medical Ireland secured three awards reflecting the company’s broad commitment to its people and community. Tadg Murphy, chief technical officer at dual award winner Water Technology, commented that the future of the life sciences sector depends on combining scientific excellence and continued innovation with sustainable operations. “This ensures that critical resources such as water are managed while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality,” he explained.The outstanding contribution to life sciences award was presented to Brendan McGrath, site head and VP manufacturing at WuXi Biologics in Ireland. He played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding the Dundalk facility, where more than 800 people are employed. “Under his leadership, the site achieved major international certifications, FDA approval and global industry recognition,” the award citation said. “Brendan has also championed sustainability initiatives, operational excellence, and collaborative innovation across the wider manufacturing network, helping position Ireland as a key hub for biologics production.”Takeda Ireland won the awards in the company of the year and digital transformation categories. Site head Deirdre Connaughton said: “These two wins belong to all of Takeda Ireland. Huge congratulations also to Rachel Torreggiani on her rising star recognition. A proud night for our people and patients.”René Schrama, chief commercial officer at gold sponsor Peak Technologies, remarked that life sciences are entering a phase where technology no longer just drives efficiency but reshapes manufacturing, safety and outcomes. “From AI machine vision to integrated enterprise data, leaders will be those who scale converged innovations into compliant, precise, trusted value,” he said.Orion GXP Consulting and Clinigen won the strategic partnership award. Orion managing director Charley Maxwell explained that the partnership centred on protecting patient access to a critical oncology treatment at a time when continuity of supply was at risk. “Our industry often talks about medicines, products and supply chains but behind every medicine is a patient and a family relying on continued access to treatment,” he added. “This award demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations align regulatory, quality and supply chain expertise around the single objective of protecting patients.”Inova Recruitment was shortlisted in the strategic partnership award category. “Inova Recruitment, one of Ireland’s leading project delivery specialists, contractors and technical recruiters, was proud to be named a finalist at The Life Sciences Industry Awards, recognising its commitment to quality, partnership, and supporting innovation across the sector,” said managing director Austin Lacey.Delcath Systems was presented with the award in the patient impact category. Chief executive Gerard Michel said the recognition highlights the value of bringing innovative therapies to patients facing serious and difficult-to-treat cancers. “It also reflects the dedication of our teams across Europe, the UK and the US, and the wider life sciences sector’s commitment to delivering meaningful patient benefit,” he said.Kevin O’Driscoll, director of partnership programmes at awards organiser Business River, said: “Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors. We are thankful to our 2026 sponsors – ABM Ireland, McArdle Skeath and Peak Technologies. I also want to recognise our supporter, Amárach Research. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.”Awards judgesEamon Judge (judging coordinator), retired executive director – global engineering, Eli LillyKatarina Antill, chief executive and founder, BonafiMichael Brennan, global head of engineering, TeleflexGráinne Cunniffe, scientific programme manager, Research IrelandSiobhan Dean, deputy director BPCI, IbecCatherine Giblin, executive, leadership, team coach and mentor, CGiblin & CoMamata Khirade, healthcare consultant, Citiustech, Client UCBErika Loizidou, lecturer in drug discovery, UCL School of PharmacyMatt Moran, chief executive, Matt Moran ConsultingDhaval Rathod, associate director, Shionogi IncDenis Ring, lecturer (retired) department of process and chemical engineering, University College CorkHarsh Shah, commercial strategy director, Dassault SystèmesAward winnersOverall excellence in life sciences (sponsored by ABM Ireland)Winner: WuXi Biologics – Manufacturing Science & Technology TeamDinny Crowe, managing director at ABM Ireland, presents the overall excellence in life sciences to Brendan McGrath, WuXi Biologics Digital transformation awardWinner: Takeda IrelandElaine Corbally, sales director at ABM Ireland, presents the digital transformation award to Rory Boyle, Takeda Ireland Patient impact awardWinner: Delcath SystemsEamon Judge, awards judging coordinator, presents the patient impact award to Evelyn Glynn, Delcath Systems Diversity, equality and inclusivity awardWinner: Salt MedicalMatt Moran, awards judge, presents the diversity, equality and inclusivity award to Karen Flanagan, Salt Medical Women in life sciences awardWinner: Louise Duggan – Novartis IrelandLouise Gorman, head of marketing at McArdle Skeath, presents the women in life sciences award to Louise Duggan, Novartis Ireland Rising star in life sciences (sponsored by McArdle Skeath)Winner: Rachel Torreggiani – Takeda IrelandNick Conlon, general manager at McArdle Skeath, presents the rising star in life sciences to Rachel Torreggiani, Takeda Ireland Life sciences team of the yearWinner: WuXi Biologics – Manufacturing Science & Technology TeamJames Harrison, vice president of sales of Peak Technologies, presents the life sciences team of the year to Fey Atoyegbe, WuXi Biologics Innovation of the year (sponsored by Peak Technologies)Winner: Almac Sciences – GMP-Ready Continuous Flow PlatformJames Harrison, vice president of sales of Peak Technologies, presents the innovation of the year to Cormac Kelly, Almac Sciences Innovation of the year – smallWinner: Biomimetic Innovations – OsSticJames Harrison, vice president of sales of Peak Technologies, presents the innovation of the year - small to Gerard Insley, Biomimetic Innovations Best use of CSRWinner: Merit Medical IrelandMatt Moran, awards judge, presents the best use of CSR to Karen Smyth, Merit Medical Ireland Best strategic partnershipWinner: Orion GXP Consulting & ClinigenMatt Moran, awards judge, presents the best strategic partnership to Charley Maxwell and Peter McNally, Orion GXP Consulting & Clinigen Best engineering project/facilityWinner: Almac Sciences – GMP-Ready Continuous Flow PlatformMatt Moran, awards judge, presents the best engineering project/facility to Cormac Kelly, Almac Sciences Best workplace awardWinner: Merit Medical IrelandSean McHugh, community lead at Business River, presents the best workplace award to Fiona Grimes, Merit Medical Ireland Life sciences company of the yearWinner: Takeda IrelandSean McHugh, community lead at Business River, presents the life sciences company of the year to Paul Keogh and Deirdre Connaughton, Takeda Ireland Operational excellence awardWinner: Water TechnologyBen Molloy, senior community lead at Business River, presents the operational excellence award to Tadg Murphy, Water Technology Sustainability awardWinner: Trend TechnologiesBen Molloy, senior community lead at Business River, presents the sustainability award to Jurgita Palubinske, Trend Technologies Medtech excellence awardWinner: Biomimetic InnovationsBen Molloy, senior community lead at Business River, presents the medtech excellence award to Gerard Insley, Biomimetic Innovations Excellence in health & safetyWinner: Merit Medical IrelandEamon Judge, awards judging coordinator, presents the excellence in health & safety to Sean Maye, Merit Medical Ireland Laboratory excellence awardWinner: Water TechnologyEamon Judge, awards judging coordinator, presents the laboratory excellence award to Tadg Murphy, Water Technology Outstanding contribution awardRecipient: Brendan McGrath – WuXi Biologics IrelandEamon Judge, awards judging coordinator, presents the outstanding contribution award to Brendan McGrath