Empowering STEM Futures Across the South West of Ireland

Dynamic Learning & Development professional with expertise in strategic management, organizational design, and talent management. A passionate leader in STEM, dedicated to promoting diversity, fostering development, and enhancing education. Co-founder of STEM Southwest and the Cork Life Science Group and currently serving as Chair of the MedTech Skillnet Group. As a published author of the STEM textbook "Engineering in the World," I strive to make complex concepts accessible. I also had the honor of serving as Past President of Network Cork in 2020. Committed to shaping the future of STEM and inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders.

A distinguished figure in the field of pharmaceutical and organic chemistry, currently serving as Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Director of the Analytical & Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), and is also a former Vice President for Research & Innovation at UCC, where she played a pivotal role in advancing the university’s research agenda across STEM disciplines. A UCC alumna, Professor Maguire completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry in 1985 and her Ph.D. in 1989, specializing in synthetic organic chemistry. Her research has significantly contributed to the development of new synthetic methodologies and their application in drug discovery and development.

Professor Maguire has been a passionate advocate for women in STEM, actively mentoring early-career researchers and promoting gender equity in science. Her leadership at ABCRF has fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in chemical and pharmaceutical sciences.

She has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science, including recognition from the Royal Society of Chemistry and other international bodies.

John teaches science, maths and languages. He is also a part-time associate on the Oide Physics team. He has collaborated on a number of projects with groups like the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and the European Space Agency (ESA – ESERO Ireland). His publications include research on Eclipsing Binary Systems (British Astronomical Association). He is an enthusiastic supporter of cross-curricular activities and organisations like STEM South West who build so many bridges across a wide range of disciplines.

Mairéad Cummins is an accomplished Talent Acquisition (TA) professional with extensive experience spanning multinational corporations and dynamic pharma start-ups. In her current role at PM Group, she supports diverse recruitment projects while playing a key role in advancing the company’s Diversity & Inclusion agenda, including co-founding the Cork Women’s Network and developing their Gender Action Plan. She is passionate about driving practical initiatives that break down barriers, create opportunities, and foster genuinely inclusive workplaces.

To date, Mairéad has held senior hiring roles with industry leaders such as Amgen, Pfizer, and GSK. Her contributions have included shaping graduate programs, supporting restructuring initiatives, designing and delivering training, and spearheading TA transformation projects.

A strong advocate for STEM education and awareness, Mairéad actively promotes the importance of STEM pathways across both education and industry, incorporating it throughout her work.

Ronan Hayes is Director of Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) at Janssen, part of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. In this role, Ronan leads strategic technical initiatives across advanced therapies, driving innovation, reliability, and sustainability in manufacturing processes. He serves as a key technical interface between global lifecycle management and site operations, ensuring seamless integration of new technologies and continuous improvement.

With a strong background in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and process engineering, Ronan brings deep expertise in scaling complex therapies and aligning cross-functional teams across R&D, Quality, and Regulatory. His leadership supports Janssen’s mission to deliver transformative healthcare solutions and improve patient outcomes worldwide. Ronan is passionate about advancing technical excellence, mentoring emerging talent, and fostering collaboration across the global supply chain.

Martin Boyle is a Senior Director at Eli Lilly and Company, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on advancing pharmaceutical innovation and operational excellence. With over two decades of experience in the life sciences industry, Martin has held leadership roles spanning clinical development, regulatory affairs, and global program management. At Lilly, Martin is known for driving cross-functional collaboration and delivering impactful solutions that improve patient outcomes. His leadership style blends scientific rigor with a deep commitment to mentorship and team development.

Martin holds a strong academic foundation in the biomedical sciences and has contributed to numerous successful product launches and regulatory submissions throughout his career. He is passionate about fostering innovation, building resilient teams, and shaping the future of healthcare.

Nessa is Senior Director of TSMS Small Molecules and Peptides at Eli Lilly, where she is responsible for developing and evolving the strategic direction, organisational capability, and management of the small molecule and peptide business.

Nessa holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry and has built an impressive career at the forefront of pharmaceutical manufacturing and process science. She began her career as a Laboratory Analyst at Abbott Vascular before progressing to a Production Supervisor role at Pfizer's API plant in Ringaskiddy. She joined Eli Lilly in 2012 and has since held a range of senior roles supporting process optimisation, commercial manufacturing, and new product introduction across both small molecule and peptide platforms.

Throughout her career at Eli Lilly, Nessa has developed strong collaborations between industry and academia through advisory boards and research partnerships. A passionate advocate for educational outreach, she has been a strong supporter of programmes within Lilly aimed at inspiring and developing the next generation of scientists.