13th May 2009

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Back row: Avita Ramroop, Dr Clifford Stevenson, Dr Patrick Naughton and Dr Neville McClenaghan

Front row: Rachel Young, Professor Tony Firulli, David McConville and Claire Wilson

Ulster Launches Internship Programme in Partnership with Abbot Healthcare

University of Ulster Biomedical Science students will have the chance to study at one of the world’s leading paediatric research facilities thanks to a new initiative announced today.

The School of Biomedical Sciences at Ulster has teamed up with the Indiana University School of Medicine in the United States to offer students the opportunity to undertake a one-year internship at the Riley Heart Research Center. 

Announcing the agreement during his visit to the University’s Coleraine campus this week, Professor Tony Firulli from the Indiana University School of Medicine, said: “This agreement will provide an excellent opportunity for students from the School of Biomedical Sciences at Ulster to complete a research internship at our top-rated paediatric research department.” 

Biology, Pharmacology and Biomedical Science students will be eligible to apply for the programme, with successful applicants beginning their cardiology research at the Riley Heart Research Center, Indiana University, in August 2009. 

In addition, the top two students who complete the programme will receive an Abbott Internship Award from global healthcare company Abbott, which has diagnostic facilities throughout Ireland.

Dr Clifford Stevenson, from Ulster’s School of Biomedical Sciences, who co-ordinates the internship programme, said: “The purpose of this programme is to enhance the academic and cultural experience of our undergraduate students.

“Indiana University School of Medicine is now the second prestigious institution to offer our students this valuable internship opportunity, with the University of Texas Health Science Center announcing a similar partnership last year. “

We warmly welcome Professor Tony Firulli, who has travelled to Northern Ireland specifically to promote these internships, and it is also particularly rewarding that Abbott’s diagnostic facility in Sligo has endorsed this significant student opportunity through the establishment of an awards scheme. Next year’s interns are currently receiving induction seminars, and we wish them every success with their chosen research.”

John Murphy, Site Director of Abbott’s diagnostic facility, Sligo, added: “Abbott is delighted to support this internship programme which provides a wonderful opportunity for participating students.  As a healthcare company and a major employer of science graduates, Abbott is keen to encourage students to pursue studies in this rewarding area.”   

For further information, please contact:

Press Office, Department of Communication and Development
Tel: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk