Overview of the HECA Research Conference
The Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) Research Conference is a national forum that brings together scholars, industry partners, and students from Ireland’s independent higher‑education sector. In 2025 the event was themed “Thriving in the Digital Age: AI, Education and Well‑being for a Resilient Ireland.” The theme underscored the growing intersection of technology, innovation, and human‑centred progress—an ideal backdrop for students from Griffith College Cork’s MSc in Pharmaceutical Business Management to showcase their work.
Griffith College Cork’s MSc in Pharmaceutical Business Management
Griffith College Cork offers a postgraduate programme that bridges the scientific, commercial, and leadership aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. The curriculum blends core business modules—such as strategy, finance, and marketing—with specialised courses in drug development, regulatory affairs, and supply‑chain management. The programme’s goal is to equip graduates with the analytical tools and strategic mindset needed to navigate a rapidly evolving pharma landscape.
Students are encouraged to undertake applied research projects that address real‑world challenges. The 2025 cohort’s research presentations at HECA exemplify this approach, demonstrating how academic inquiry can inform industry practice.
Student Research Highlights
Three MSc students—Issa Nicas, Viridiana Valentín, and Siddhi Dalvi—presented their research at the conference. Each project tackled a distinct facet of pharma innovation, from logistics optimisation to organisational culture and the use of AI in real‑world evidence.
Issa Nicas: Operational Efficiency in Tanzania’s Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
Nicas examined the trade‑offs between in‑house (vertical) logistics and third‑party logistics (3PL) within Tanzania’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. By analysing governance models, cost structures, and regulatory compliance, he identified how resource‑constrained environments can still achieve high supply‑chain performance. His findings provide actionable insights for companies operating in emerging markets, highlighting the importance of governance alignment and cost‑efficiency strategies.
Viridiana Valentín: Culture‑Driven Innovation in Regulated Environments
Valentín’s research focused on the role of organisational culture in fostering open innovation within highly regulated pharmaceutical firms. She explored how failure management practices can accelerate innovation and maximise benefits. Her work offers a framework for leaders to embed a culture that balances compliance with creative risk‑taking, a critical capability for firms seeking to stay ahead of regulatory changes.
Siddhi Dalvi: AI and Real‑World Evidence for Patent Cliff Management
Dalvi investigated how pharmaceutical companies can leverage AI‑driven real‑world evidence (RWE) to navigate the challenges of the patent cliff. He proposed an RWE‑AI strategic framework that supports decision‑making and sustains market competitiveness. The study demonstrates the practical value of integrating advanced analytics into product lifecycle management, providing a roadmap for firms looking to extend product exclusivity and revenue streams.
Implications for Pharma Innovation
The conference presentations illustrate how data‑driven research can directly influence industry practices. Key takeaways include:
- Supply‑Chain Agility: Governance models that combine vertical and third‑party logistics can reduce costs while maintaining compliance.
- Culture as a Catalyst: Organisations that embed failure‑friendly cultures unlock faster innovation cycles.
- AI‑Enhanced Decision‑Making: Real‑world evidence powered by AI offers a competitive edge during the patent cliff period.
These insights are valuable for professionals seeking to implement evidence‑based strategies in their organisations.
Griffith College Cork’s Commitment to Research Excellence
Participation in HECA is a testament to the quality of Griffith College Cork’s postgraduate programmes. The college fosters critical enquiry, applied research, and professional readiness across all disciplines. Faculty members act as mentors, guiding students through rigorous research design, data analysis, and dissemination. This supportive environment ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also capable of translating research into actionable business solutions.
Take Action – Advancing Your Pharma Career
Whether you are a recent graduate, a mid‑career professional, or an aspiring student, the research showcased at HECA offers concrete pathways to advance in the pharmaceutical sector:
- Apply data‑driven supply‑chain models to improve operational efficiency.
- Cultivate an organisational culture that balances regulatory compliance with innovation.
- Integrate AI and real‑world evidence into product lifecycle strategies to mitigate the patent cliff.
These strategies can be implemented within a few months, providing measurable improvements in cost, time‑to‑market, and revenue.
Explore the MSc in Pharmaceutical Business Management at Griffith College Cork to gain the skills and knowledge needed to lead in this dynamic industry. Learn more about the programme here.
Ready to take the next step? Submit your application today and join a community of innovators shaping the future of pharma.
Have questions about the MSc or the research opportunities? Contact us for a free consultation.
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