Biotechnology is the study and manipulation of molecules, genes, cells and whole organisms to invent and develop tools that benefit humankind, and have commercial value.

 

Biotechnology is a dynamic and evolving discipline centred on Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Genome Sequencing, that integrates the natural sciences with engineering to deliver products and services.

 

Biotechnologists have made significant contributions to the ‘smart economy’ in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, the food industry and the environment. They have discovered new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disease, repair and replace damaged organs, create biofuels and bioplastics, grow crops with better yields, drought and pest resistance, and remove toxic environmental contaminants.

 

Biopharmaceuticals are novel medicines developed out of the study of biotechnology and represent about half of all the medicines produced worldwide. Ireland is a leading producer of these biopharmaceutical drugs, with nine out of the 10 largest biopharmaceutical companies in the world located here. This makes biopharmaceutical production one of our largest exports, and among the country’s best options for a prosperous economic future.