RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has entered into a partnership with Uniphar to support excellence and innovation in pharmacy education and training. This collaboration, between the RCSI School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences and Uniphar, will enhance student learning and engagement by supporting innovative teaching initiatives and providing new opportunities for professional development.

As an official partner of the School, Uniphar will support education across the RCSI School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences.

Throughout the partnership, Uniphar will support the Patient Centred Care Laboratory located at 121 St Stephen's Green, a dynamic, hands-on learning space, designed as a central teaching facility for all pharmacy students. In this fully equipped mock pharmacy, students can practice their professional identity through simulated real-world scenarios and gain practical experience with dispensing systems and pharmaceutical care, preparing them for clinical placements and future practice.

The partnership will also support a four-month MPharm Year 4 student experiential learning placement in 2026. The student will be supervised by a Uniphar teaching practitioner in collaboration with the RCSI team.

In addition, Uniphar will be the lead sponsor of World Pharmacists Day at RCSI, an annual event to recognise the vital role pharmacists play in improving health outcomes and shaping healthier communities. The event provides an important platform to strengthen connections between education and industry, while inspiring and supporting the next generation of pharmacists.

Speaking on the announcement, Professor Tracy Robson, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, said: “RCSI is delighted to partner with Uniphar and to collaborate on our shared mission of driving healthcare and health education forward. Pharmacy practice and education are evolving rapidly, driven by advances in digital technologies and an expanding scope of practice.

“The support of Uniphar will allow us to continue to offer innovative, future-focused education that equips our students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to thrive in this changing landscape and contribute meaningfully to a more effective and patient-centred healthcare system in Ireland.”

Uniphar is a global partner to pharmaceutical and medtech manufacturers. Set up by a small group of Irish community pharmacists to ensure a reliable supply of medicines for their patients, the company has stayed committed to this goal, working to improve patient access to medicines globally.

“At Uniphar, we recognise the critical role pharmacists play within modern healthcare systems and the importance of equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for an evolving profession,” said Shane O’Neill, Director of Pharmacy at Uniphar.

“Our partnership with RCSI will support innovative educational initiatives that enhance student engagement, foster professional development and help ensure graduates are prepared to meet the healthcare challenges of the future. Developing the next generation of pharmacists requires strong collaboration between academia and industry, and this partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation, excellence and patient care.”