TU Dublin VIRal & BioPharmaChem Skillnet Use VR to Revolutionise Workplace Safety
On World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025, the spotlight is on ‘Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work.’ Leading this transformation is TU Dublin’s Virtual Interaction Research Lab (VIRal) in collaboration with BioPharmaChem Skillnet, introducing cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) training programmes designed to enhance workplace health and safety. This marks their third successful collaboration, demonstrating the powerful impact of immersive technology within the BioPharmaChem sector.
Pioneering Research and Innovation
By integrating immersive VR technology, BioPharmaChem Skillnet delivers interactive and impactful training sessions that:
- Enhance workplace safety through scenario-based learning.
- Provide more effective and engaging training experiences.
- Equip employees with the skills to mitigate risks and uphold industry standards.
- Provide flexibility in training for employees.
By simulating real-world hazards, the VR training programme significantly improves employee preparedness, fostering a safer and more resilient work environment.
Susan Costello; Network Director of BioPharmaChem Skillnet commented:
Our collaboration with TU Dublin on the development of the Virtual Reality Health and Safety Training Programme reflects BioPharmaChem Skillnet’s commitment to innovation and industry relevance. This initiative addresses a real need for more effective, scalable, and engaging safety training, ultimately supporting a safer and more compliant workforce across the biopharma and chemical sectors. We’re proud that this programme has been selected as a finalist for the Health and Safety Award at the upcoming Life Science Industry Awards 2025 — a testament to its impact and potential.
Transformative Impact of the VR Training Programme
The ongoing partnership between TU Dublin VIRal and BioPharmaChem Skillnet has delivered significant advancements for the industry:
- Innovative Training Solutions – The VR programme revolutionises workplace learning by offering immersive, scenario-based experiences.
- Enhanced Engagement & Retention – Interactive VR modules improve knowledge retention and engagement among employees.
- Improved Workplace Safety – VR-driven safety training instils critical protocols, reducing accident risks.
- Industry Recognition – Previous VR programmes from this collaboration have earned multiple accolades for their quality and effectiveness.
- Upcoming Awards - The VR programme has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Excellence in Health and Safety Category in the Life Sciences Industry Awards taking place in June 2025.
- Economic Growth & Job Creation – Investment in innovative training solutions supports sectoral expansion and potential job growth.
Dr Brian Vaughan; Founder/Director of the Virtual Interaction Research Lab (VIRal) at TU Dublin said:
Our partnership with BioPharmaChem Skillnet showcases how Virtual Reality is reshaping the landscape of health and safety training. Through innovative, interactive modules, we’re enabling businesses to elevate their training processes, reduce risks, and improve overall safety practices in the industry. The power and ability of mixed reality headsets is improving all the time, further enabling more powerful and immersive training experiences to be developed.
A Legacy of Successful Collaborations
This latest VR training programme is the third major project co-developed by TU Dublin VIRal and BioPharmaChem Skillnet under the Skillnet Ireland Business Network. Previous successful collaborations include:
- Aseptic Techniques for Biomanufacturing
- Powder Handling for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Health and Safety training programme
All projects received multiple industry nominations and awards, underscoring the excellence of this partnership. The VR technology integrates seamlessly into existing training frameworks, allowing adaptability across various industries.
Shaping the Future of Workplace Training
The partnership between TU Dublin and BioPharmaChem Skillnet exemplifies the transformative power of AI and digitalisation in workplace safety. As industries worldwide seek innovative training solutions, this pioneering VR programme sets new standards for safety and preparedness.
By leveraging immersive technology, TU Dublin and BioPharmaChem Skillnet are not only protecting employees but also shaping the future of workplace health and safety training. Organisations looking to enhance their safety training programmes can draw inspiration from this initiative to create safer, more efficient workplaces.