The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) has announced the appointment of Professor Michael Butler as chief scientific officer. The appointment will see Prof Butler joining NIBRT on September 1, 2016, to lead NIBRT’s research programme focused on biopharmaceutical manufacturing research. Prof Butler is an acknowledged global leader in mammalian cell culture bioprocessesing. He will be relocating to NIBRT from Canada where he is currently distinguished professor of animal cell technology, Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, and is also the scientific director of the Canadian Monoclonal Antibody Network (MabNet). MabNet is a consortium of 12 industry, 10 university and two Canadian government agency partners, with a research programme led by 20 investigators. The objectives of the research have been to develop optimal process technologies for the production and purification of monoclonal antibodies with defined glycosylation characteristics. The research has been conducted under an integrated plan involving four major themes that span the areas of structural analysis, upstream processing, cell culture control and downstream processing. Prof Butler’s distinguished research career has seen key advances in animal cell technology, glycosylation, and development of mammalian cell culture bioprocesses for scale-up and industrial production. He is the author of seven books, and more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles with a strong record of leading industry-academic collaborations. Speaking on behalf of NIBRT, CEO Dominic Carolan, said: “Mike’s knowledge, expertise in mammalian cell culture, and international reputation is an ideal fit for NIBRT’s research strategy and is a great addition to our well established research team. I am excited by the opportunities that Mike will bring to our collaborative research programmes, further advancing the knowledge in biopharmaceutical manufacturing research.” Prof Butler, said: “I’m delighted to be able to move to NIBRT and be a part of the impressive growth that’s taking place in the country’s biopharmaceutical industry. NIBRT has become a major platform for attracting the biopharmaceutical industry to Ireland for the manufacture of biologics based drugs designed for unmet medical needs. I especially look forward to partnering with the academic and industry research communities as we collaborate on addressing the key scientific challenges in biopharma manufacturing research.” Prof Butler will be commencing in NIBRT on September 1, 2016.