Dr Sarah Hayes, Chief Operations Officer at Rinn Pharma & Biopharma, has been named Biopharma & Lifesciences Connected Person of the Month for June 2026.
Sarah has been selected in recognition of her outstanding leadership and contribution to Ireland’s pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and life sciences sector. Her work with Rinn Pharma & Biopharma (formerly SSPC, Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceuticals) has played an important role in strengthening collaboration between research, academia and industry, helping to support innovation, scientific excellence and the continued development of Ireland’s biopharma cluster.
The Biopharma & Lifesciences Connected Person of the Month award recognises individuals who are making a meaningful contribution to the growth and future of the sector. Sarah was selected by the judging panel, headed by Matthew Moran, in unanimous recognition of the leadership she has shown and the value that Rinn Pharma & Biopharma continues to deliver for industry and research partners across Ireland.
SSPC, Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceuticals (now Rinn Pharma & Biopharma), has been a key part of Ireland’s research and innovation landscape, supporting industry-relevant research and collaboration across the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors. Sarah’s leadership has helped to build and support this work, connecting stakeholders across research, industry and public engagement.
Her recognition also follows the launch of Rinn Pharma & Biopharma, a new Research Ireland centre led by University of Limerick. The €60 million investment builds on the foundation of SSPC and brings together researchers and partner institutions nationwide to address critical challenges in drug development, medicines manufacturing and pharmaceutical innovation.
Commenting on the award, Sarah Hayes said:
“I am honoured to receive this recognition from Biopharma & Lifesciences Connected Live. The Rinn Pharma & Biopharma (formerly SSPC) team has made a significant contribution in bridging the gap between research, academia, industry and wider societal stakeholders to deliver a connected, collaborative and vibrant ecosystem here in Ireland, with impactful global reach.
Rinn Pharma & Biopharma are entering an exciting new phase, with a new research programme delivering a systemic and strategic approach to advance research and innovation in key areas for the pharma & biopharma sector, and broader life sciences.”
Colin Murphy, Chairman and Founder of Ingenious Media, said:
“We are delighted to recognise Sarah Hayes as Biopharma & Lifesciences Connected Person of the Month for June 2026. Sarah’s contribution to the sector has been recognised unanimously by the judging panel, and this award reflects her leadership, commitment and the important role she continues to play in supporting Ireland’s biopharma and life sciences community.”
Sarah will be formally recognised as one of the 2026 monthly award recipients at the Biopharma & Lifesciences Connected Awards, which will take place alongside the Biopharma & Lifesciences Connected Conference in Cork in January 2027. Monthly award recipients will also be considered for the overall Person of the Year award.
The Biopharma & Lifesciences Connected Awards celebrate the people, organisations and achievements driving progress across Ireland’s biopharma and life sciences sectors. The awards recognise excellence, leadership, innovation and the individuals helping to strengthen the future of the industry.
Pictured: Dr Sarah Hayes, Rinn Pharma & Biopharma COO with Colin Murphy, Chairman and Founder of Ingenious Media. Pic: Brian Arthur.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
Sarah Hayes is Chief Operations Officer at Rinn Pharma & Biopharma. Sarah has been named Biopharma & Lifesciences Connected Person of the Month for June 2026. The Biopharma & Lifesciences Connected Awards will take place alongside the Biopharma & Lifesciences Connected Conference in Cork in January 2027.
The Person of the Month programme recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to Ireland’s biopharma, pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors.
For further information, please contact:
Susan James
Ingenious Media
[email protected]
