Strategic UL partnership to advance new research and medical device innovation

THE UNIVERSITY of Limerick and Edwards Lifesciences have signed an agreement to accelerate medical device innovation and talent development.

UL and Edwards Lifesciences, the leading global structural heart innovation company, have formalised a long-standing working relationship through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The newly signed MOU formally signals the intent to collaborate in key areas including innovation, joint projects, research initiatives, and educational programs. This strategic alignment will also see Edwards Lifesciences leveraging UL’s expertise, as it establishes a new process automation team in Ireland. The agreement strengthens an already robust connection, paving the way for transformative collaboration in research, education, and innovation.

Joe Nuzzolese, corporate vice president, Global Supply Chain and Quality of Edwards Lifesciences said: “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to advancing innovation and education. We are excited to work with the University of Limerick, as we build out a Process Automation team in Ireland and explore new ways to enhance our manufacturing processes.”

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Professor Kenneth Stanton, executive dean of UL’s Faculty of Science and Engineering said: “We were delighted to welcome the senior representatives from Edwards Lifesciences to our campus and to explore the ways in which we can work together to achieve excellence in research, training, and graduate opportunities.”

“The MOU signing event was marked by positive intent from both sides, and we look forward to the successes in the years ahead,” Prof Stanton added.

The signing ceremony was held at Plassey House, where guests were treated to a musical performance by students from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and was also attended by Professor Ann Ledwith, interim provost and deputy president at UL, Kristen Lynch, VP of Supply Chain Finance and Nate Arnim, VP of Engineering, both Edwards Lifesciences.

Professor Sarah Hudson, director of the Bernal Institute at UL commented: “It was a pleasure to welcome Edwards Lifesciences to the Bernal Institute, and we are looking forward to building a strong and innovative academic and industry research collaboration programme together over the coming years. This MOU is the first step.”

Edwards Lifesciences has also previously collaborated with UL’s Bernal Institute, leveraging their expertise for problem-solving and research support.