Craigavon-based Almac Group has won the “Innovation in Sponsorship” award at the 2019 Irish Sponsorship Awards in Dublin.
The accolade, given annually, recognises “a distinct new method or unique approach to a sponsorship activation, partnership or initiative”. Almac Group, a global contract development and pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation was selected for its £1m sponsorship agreement with W5, the interactive discovery centre in Belfast.
The partnership has resulted in a comprehensive STEM learning programme based at W5, which aims to improve access to STEM education and promote exciting career possibilities that are available through pursuing STEM subjects.
Almac employs over 5,600 people globally, and said that “it is critical to engage as many pupils as possible to cultivate future talent”, which the partnership with W5 launched in 2018 aims to do.
From its onset, this included the construction of an interactive physical exhibition for W5’s ‘Med-Lab’, which utilises 3D technology to transport visitors into Almac’s laboratories and production environments. Visitors can then learn about the different stages in the medicine-making process.
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Almac’s sponsorship also included the launch of a STEM Pathway® Programme which began in October 2019 and includes a series of interactive workshops for post-primary schools. These events, tailored for each of the key stages from Year 8-14, sllow students and teachers to speak with Almac staff, participate in practical demonstrations and get involved with hands-on activities.
Kevin Reid, vice president of Global Marketing for Almac Group said that the company has built an “exciting method for pupils to learn about their health and pharmaceutical development, as well as a sneak peek into the operations occurring right at the heart of Almac, one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers.”
Since launching in 2012, the Irish Sponsorship awards have recognised industry leaders who leverage the sponsorship medium as a key strategic marketing channel through which to deliver business and organisational success. The winners were revealed at a Gala Awards dinner on 5 December at Croke Park, Dublin where Dr Frances Weldon, Almac Group’s STEM Outreach Manager received the award.
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