Ireland will send a record-sized squad to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, this year. Among them is Claire Boles, a PhD student at the SSPC SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, based at University College Dublin, who will join Ireland’s Women’s Rugby Sevens team at the tournament.
Claire works under the supervision of Dr Jessica Whelan and Dr Roderick Jones, researching the development of a Process Analytical Technology (PAT) method, using a PharmaFlow system for real-time monitoring and control of manufacturing processes that improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in pharmaceuticals products.
Her particular focus is on the application of the technology to cell culture media preparation to facilitate biopharmaceutical production. Dr Whelan said, “Claire’s participation in the Olympics is a testament to her exceptional skills and the support of her academic and athletic communities. Her journey as an SSPC PhD student, combined with her prowess as an Olympian, showcases the remarkable potential of individuals. We wish Claire and the Irish team the best of luck.”
Picture credit: RTE
Hailing from Fermanagh, Claire has played with Ireland Sevens’ sides before, being selected for the Ireland Under 18 Sevens in 2016. From there, she joined the Ireland Sevens Programme and made her senior Sevens debut in Clermont in 2017. She spent time in Australia in 2018, where she played in the University Sevens with Bond University, before winning three caps for Ireland during the 2019 Women’s Six Nations.
Speaking about the upcoming Games, Claire said, “Balancing the roles of a PhD researcher and an Olympian is a demanding yet rewarding endeavour. I’m honoured to be named in the squad.”
SSPC is renowned for its research talent and is the largest producer of PhDs for the (bio)pharma sector in Ireland. Owing to its international profile and reputation, SSPC attracts, trains, and retains highly skilled talent for the Irish sector, with over 64% transitioning to industry and 56% of its global talent employed in Ireland post PhD, deepening Ireland’s overall knowledge base.
The Rugby Sevens events will be held in the Stade de France, with the men’s competition running from 24-27 July and the women’s tournament from 28-30 July.
