Randox host Open University students at state-of-the-art Randox Science Park
Randox host Open University students at state-of-the-art Randox Science Park
On Wednesday 15th November, Randox hosted a site visit at its state-of-the-art Randox Science Park in Antrim for Open University (OU) students who are studying a range of subjects including Business, Science, Engineering and Software Development.
Randox is a global leader in healthcare diagnostics, pioneering innovative technologies with major focus in research and development. Their products and services are used in hospitals, clinical, research and molecular laboratories, food testing, forensic toxicology, life sciences, and veterinary laboratories worldwide.
The visit allowed the students the opportunity to experience real life lab experiments in the Research and Development department and the Design Engineering department. They also had the opportunity to tour the different IT departments and see how the operations of a large company work.
Sarah Nicol who is studying for a BSc (Honours) in Computing and IT said:
“It was interesting to hear about the full scope of work taking place within the Randox Science Park and the level of investment confirms that there is a bright future here as an employee. The training and opportunities available were much wider than I had realised.”
Joanne King who is studying for a BSc (Honours) in Health Sciences said:
“I found the visit interesting and informative. I enjoyed meeting and hearing from the current Open University students and what they were getting involved with during their placements at Randox. I certainly found the experience motivating to complete my course as opportunities may be possible with Randox.”
The students were then able to hear from two OU students who are currently on a placement with Randox: Jenny Hope who is studying BSc (Hons) in Health Sciences and Aurelija Gainaite who is studying BSc (Hons) in Natural Sciences. They are both on a one-year placement with Randox and shared with the students the importance of gaining relevant work experience in a chosen field and the potential opportunities it can lead to.
Jolene Carey, Human Resource Officer from Randox said:
“We were delighted to host The Open University students at Randox – this was a great opportunity for students to gain a valuable insight into the range of different departments within the company and to experience how they work together. We were delighted that OU students Jenny and Aurelija were able to talk directly to their fellow students and explain the benefits of gaining a placement opportunity. We look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with The Open University.”
For further information, please contact our Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or by phoning 028 9442 2413
Randox announces launch of APEX programme 2018 for first year QUB and Ulster University students
Global health diagnostics provider Randox has launched the third year of its innovative APEX Programme. The APEX Programme is a unique career package which offers first year students a paid 8-week summer work experience between first and second year, a paid placement year in their third year of study and, finally, a graduate job if they complete their degree with a 2:1 or above.
There are many different disciplines which are critical for Randox’s global operations, from pioneering research and development scientists to business strategists, savvy marketing teams to top-level engineering departments.
The APEX programme is open to all students currently studying biological sciences but also those studying business, marketing, maths, physics, graphic design, computer science and any form of engineering.
The APEX Programme is like no other in the UK and Randox were pleased to recruit 20 first-year students last year after a high number of applications. The difficulty for students trying to find work experience and a coveted graduate position has been highlighted in recent years. In 2016, official UK government figures reported that one-in-three young graduates were working in low-skilled jobs, being unable to find work which matched their skills. In the same year there was a 2.2% drop in the number of 21 to 30-year-old graduates in skilled worked compared with the year earlier.
The APEX Programme application process is as unique as the programme itself. No CVs or lengthy application forms needed – just submit a 15 second video on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and 140 character cover note telling us why you are the one for Randox, including hashtags #IAmTheOneQUB or #IAmTheOneUU, depending on your university. It really is that simple! Submit your video from 27th November to 8th December 2017 to be in the running to join the Randox team.
Graduates often face tough competition for jobs in their field of study once they leave university. It’s a well-known cycle for budding young professionals ready to enter their first graduate job – how can I gain the vital experience needed when many roles cite a year or more work experience as an essential requirement?
Linda Magee, Randox Human Resources Manager, says initiatives like the Randox APEX Programme are essential.
“Graduates leave university and enter a tough environment, where expectations are high and competition is fierce. The ones who do best are those who can get the necessary real-life work experience in their area of expertise.
“Randox believes in giving young people a chance to make their mark by taking on real responsibilities right from the start. Undergraduates will work side-by-side with our top teams in science research, manufacturing, engineering, business, marketing and many other disciplines who are working on ground-breaking diagnostic innovations and campaigns which will make an impact globally.
“As a result, the APEX programme gives our recruits incredible confidence in their abilities. It’s also very important to us that the programme offers paid placements which last for the duration of their degree, so they are able to focus on their studies while working towards a graduate position with a world-leading company after graduation.”
Lee Armstrong, who is studying chemistry at Ulster University, completed his first placement with the APEX Programme in summer 2016 and is now back completing his placement year in the clinical chemistry team. He said:
“I was attracted to the APEX Programme because it was completely different from any other company’s placement – nowhere else do you get a summer placement, a year placement and then a job after graduating if I achieve a 2:1.
“I am currently on my one-year placement, which has allowed me to gain experience with real-life projects. I’m not treated like a student at all – I’m treated like another scientist in the team and I get to work on real projects.
“I would recommend students to apply for the APEX Programme because you gain invaluable experience throughout your degree, there’s the possibility of a job in your field at the end of it – and the application video is much easier than labouring over a CV!”
In 2015, 5% of the world’s population received a diagnosis using a Randox product. It is a world-leading diagnostics company which is developing state-of-the-art facilities at the Science Park in Antrim. It has 1400 employees and operates in 145 countries.
More information about the APEX Programme can be found at http://iamtheone.randox.com
No connection between whistle-blower RTS and the now-defunct Trimega Laboratories
RTS, the whistle-blower which exposed alleged data manipulation in the forensics industry, would like to highlight to our customers and clients that there is no connection between it and the now-defunct Trimega Laboratories.
Trimega went into administration in April 2014. The administrators were KPMG.
RTS purchased some laboratory equipment from KPMG and moved onto the vacant laboratory premises in Manchester. RTS did not take-over Trimegaās business or order book. In contrast to Trimega which was wholly engaged in testing for family law, RTS was significantly engaged in criminal law, only taking on a minimal number of family law cases.
A small number of former Trimega staff were employed by RTS. Two of these former Trimega workers were dismissed by RTS after the alleged data manipulation was uncovered and reported.
Since acting as whistle-blower, RTS has fully supported the police investigation. At the NPCC media briefing on November 21st 2017, the NPCC publicly acknowledged this support and said RTS was āreputable, professional and responsible.ā
The authorities have concluded the prioritising of all RTS cases for re-testing, including forensic and family law, and the process is underway. RTS is managing this at appropriately accredited external laboratories and is covering the necessary costs. To date all priority one and two re-testing not resulted in any criminal case being overturned. All affected parties have been kept informed of the process.
On November 21st 2017, the UK Government revealed that an official investigation into alleged data manipulation at Trimega between 2010 ā 2014 was underway.
RTS cannot comment on the scale or timetable for re-testing of family law results provided by Trimega. The government has requested that the public self-report if Trimega was involved in their case as poor record-keeping by the laboratory means the number of Trimega customers and identities may never be known.
RTS has no responsibility for any alleged data manipulation which occurred at Trimega.
RTS – the whistle-blower
- RTS became a whistle-blower when it uncovered evidence of data manipulation in its laboratory and immediately alerted the authorities
- Samples themselves were not affected
- RTS was founded in 2014 and employed staff from the Forensic Science Service and elsewhere in the industry
- Industry practices were introduced into RTS and were accredited by the UK’s accreditation authority UKAS
- RTS is supporting the police investigation into the issue and as part of that is managing and financing the retesting process at external laboratories
- Initial results from re-testing have had no impact on crime cases such as homicide, sexual offences or violence
- Less than 10% of re-tests resulted in drug driving cases being discontinued
- A Parliamentary written statement today highlights how the same manipulation may also have occurred at Trimega Laboratories Ltd., which may affect child protection and family court cases.
- RTS is well-advanced in developing a revolutionary fool-proof testing system based around multiple technological advances by RTS
- RTS is not connected to Trimega Laboratories. Trimega went into administration in early 2014. After this date, RTS purchased pieces of laboratory equipment from the administrators KPMG and moved into the premises. RTS did not take over Trimega business.
In early 2017, the forensic testing company RTS became a whistle-blower when it exposed evidence of alleged data manipulation. Almost one year on, it remains committed to ensuring the police investigation will succeed in bringing those responsible to justice and protecting the criminal justice system.
When RTS was founded in 2014 it employed staff from the former Forensic Sciences Service and elsewhere in the industry. It discovered, through an internal investigation, evidence of alleged improper practice and brought it to an end by immediately alerting the authorities. A Parliamentary written statement has today highlighted how the same manipulation may have occurred – but crucially went unreported – in a now-defunct laboratory called Trimega Laboratories Ltd, between 2010 and 2014.
The alleged manipulation in RTS involved changing data in testing methods which had been accredited by the UK agency UKAS. The actual samples were not affected which has enabled re-testing, and there is no evidence to suggest that the core purpose of the manipulation was intended to create positive or negative results in any specific tests.
Throughout the ten-month investigation, RTS has worked alongside the police and appropriate authorities to help resolve the issue. It is currently managing the process and covering the costs of re-testing samples at appropriately accredited external laboratories.
Initial re-testing results have had no impact on crime cases such as homicide, sexual offences or violence. Less than 10% of re-tests resulted in drug driving cases being discontinued. The vast majority of these have been because of results consistent with degradation of the original sample resulting in a lower result, or due to insufficient sample being available to enable a re-test. Two road deaths have been referred to the Court of Appeal following the retest.
Two former employees – who had worked at other forensics laboratories before joining RTS – remain on police bail. The investigation is being led by Greater Manchester Police.
RTS Toxicology manager Dr Mark Piper said:
“We have acted as whistle-blower to ensure the integrity of the criminal justice system. We will continue to work with Greater Manchester Police and the appropriate authorities in the investigation. We will do all that we can to ensure this situation is resolved and deeply regret the distress that has been caused.
“We are now well-advanced in developing a fool-proof testing system which would enhance the security of our operations in the future, to provide the necessary level of confidence.”
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
Randox Health to sponsor Aintree’s Becher Chase
Randox is pleased to announce that Randox Health will be sponsoring the Becher Chase at Aintree Racecourse in a three-year deal.
The £145,000 Randox Health Becher Chase is the centrepiece of Becher Chase Day at Aintree on Saturday, December 9, the only fixture outside of the Randox Health Grand National Festival to feature action over the Grand National fences.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, founder and Managing Director of Randox Health, emphasised Randox Health‘s commitment to both racing and the city of Liverpool.
He said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the Becher Chase, which year-on-year is becoming a more prominent day in the racing calendar for high-calibre horses to compete. With the ongoing work being done by the team at Aintree, that’s no surprise.
“Aintree is a spectacular course and though we will obviously miss the return of One For Arthur, having an open field as we begin the run up to the most exciting race in the whole calendar – the 2018 Randox Health Grand National – will add an unexpected frisson for racing fans.”
As previously announced, Aintree’s Listed Chase over three miles and a furlong on Becher Chase Day, won last year by Many Clouds, has been re-named in honour of the 2015 Grand National winner and upgraded from Listed to Grade 2 level. It will be run as the £50,000 G2 188Bet.co.uk Many Clouds Chase.
John Baker, Managing Director of Aintree Racecourse, added: “We’re thrilled that Randox Health has decided to extend their sponsorship of the Grand National by adding the Becher Chase as well.
“Randox is a committed, valued and exciting partner for Aintree and Jockey Club Racecourses and we look forward to working closely with the team at Randox for many years to come.
“Becher Chase Day is going from strength to strength and with the quality of horses entered in both the Becher and Sefton Chase in recent years, we’re confident it’s going to be another fantastic day over the iconic Grand National fences at Aintree.”
The G3 Randox Health Becher Chase is a handicap chase over three and a quarter miles of the Grand National course. It serves as an early-season trial for the Randox Health Grand National.
Two winners have gone on to win the Grand National; Amberleigh House and Silver Birch. Earth Summit won the race in 1998 following his Grand National win the previous season.
The second race of the day over the Grand National fences on Becher Chase Day is the £70,000 188bet.co.uk Grand Sefton Handicap Chase over two miles and five furlongs.
In addition to Randox Health’s sponsorship of the Becher Chase and after a successful partnership for Sandown Park Racecourse’s Gents Day this summer, the company will also sponsor the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at the Esher venue on Saturday, December 9. This is part of the three year agreement with Jockey Club Racecourses to sponsor Becher Chase day.
Entries for the 2017 Randox Health Becher Chase, plus the 188bet Grand Sefton Chase, which also takes place over the Grand National fences, close at noon today Tuesday, November 14 and will be revealed tomorrow, Wednesday, November 15.
Tickets for the 2017 Randox Health Becher Chase raceday are available to purchase at aintree.thejockeyclub.co.uk or by calling 0344 579 3001. Racegoers can also buy tickets directly from the sales office at Aintree Racecourse. Hospitality packages are currently available to purchase, please call 0151 522 2911 for more information.
Randox Science Park partners with St. John Ambulance to provide emergency health response to Antrim
St. John Ambulance and global healthcare diagnostics company Randox have today announced an innovative new partnership to enhance the services provided by the first aid organisation in the Antrim area.
The Antrim unit of St. John Ambulance has moved its fleet of vehicles into Randox’s new headquarters, the Randox Science Park, to be able to provide its services from a central location in Antrim.
In addition to the new labs, offices and manufacturing space which have so far been installed at the former Massereene Barracks, St. John Ambulance will also now form part of the Randox’s Science Park renovation plans.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“It is particularly fitting that we are now working with St. John Ambulance, given that both of our organisations are built upon a commitment to improve health and wellbeing. We’re delighted to be able to offer space for the organisation’s fleet of ambulances, and look forward to working closely with them as we enter the next phase of our Randox Science Park renovation plans.”
As part of the partnership between Randox and St. John Ambulance, St. John’s will be offering first aid training to staff within the healthcare diagnostics firm through its corporate training team.
On moving the Antrim fleet of St. John Ambulances to the Randox Science Park, Alan McClean, Unit Leader for St. John Ambulance Antrim division, said;
“Working with an organisation as reputable as Randox, from a location as central within Antrim as the Randox Science Park, will not only ensure prompt emergency response times, but will also enhance the services we offer. We want everyone in Northern Ireland to be first aid trained and to be able to receive first aid from those around them. Moving our Antrim fleet of ambulances to the Randox Science Park brings us one step closer to delivering on that aim.”
For further information, please contact our Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or by phoning 028 9442 2413
Alan McClean, Unit Leader of St. John Ambulance Antrim division, and Robert Huddleston, from the Randox Science Park Management Team
Randox Health Holywood offers FREE prostate testing during Movember
Global healthcare firm Randox Health is celebrating Movember 2017 by offering free prostate health tests for every man who comes to its flagship clinic in Holywood. Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer in men. If it is detected early enough, it has a 90% cure rate.
During the month Randox Health hopes to raise awareness of prostate health and to encourage men to take their health into their own hands, while also raising funds for the mental health charity Inspire NI, as an additional focal aspect of men’s health.
PSA screening is not carried out routinely on the NHS as the standard test is thought to be unreliable. However the Randox Health prostate blood test, worth £130, is more advanced and can provide a more accurate diagnosis. Typical testing measures the total Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in the blood, however PSA can come in two forms: free and bound. Using the Randox Health PSA test, the amount of ‘free’ PSA is measured and compared to the amount of ‘bound’ PSA. Understanding this enables clients to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their prostate health.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director, Randox Health, commented;
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men, and usually develops slowly. Many of us don’t know much about it and would rather not talk about it but it’s very easy to get information which can ultimately save your life. So throughout Movember I’d like to encourage men to come to our flagship clinic in Holywood to get our free test, and take control of your health. It’s our aim to help people live healthier for longer.”
Partnering with Randox Health to raise awareness of the importance of prostate checks are Garry’s Barber Shop in Holywood, the Belfast Harley Davidson’s Owners Club and the Harlandic Male Voice Choir.
The members of the choir, which was formed in 1944 by labourers of the Harland and Wolff shipyard, have this week each had their bloods taken in the Randox Health Clinic in Holywood, and in two days’ time will receive a comprehensive profile of their prostate health, enabling them to take appropriate preventive action should any problems be found. The check includes a complementary consultation where clients can discuss their results with one of Randox’s scientific experts.
Ken Banford, Chairman of the Harlandic Male Voice Choir, explained;
“As a male choir, we know all too well the reluctance to discuss our health, to open up about any issues we may be having, or even to book an appointment with our GP to do something about it. A more proactive approach to our health is needed and we hope that by doing this with Randox Health, we can encourage others to take their health into their own hands.”
Free prostate testing at Randox Health Holywood must be booked in advance. No fasting required. Results available after two working days.
To book your Free Prostate Test with Randox Health in Holywood, please call 0800 2545 130
For further information please contact the Randox PR Team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413
Ulster GAA team embark on Randox-sponsored tour of China
Ulster University’s GAA team departs on a historic two week tour of China this weekend as part of the university’s wider programme of engagement in key international markets, sponsored by Randox.
Following a reception with the Lord Mayor of Belfast earlier in the week, the 25-strong team will leave Belfast on Saturday morning for the two week cultural exchange that aims to develop and enhance links with a number of Chinese academic institutions.
The trip is being sponsored by Randox and facilitated by the university’s Confucius Institute.
The team is spending a week in Beijing before heading to Wuhan and Huangshi City to play several games as part of an extensive tour promoting sporting excellence at Ulster University, in particular Gaelic Games.
Professor Ian Montgomery, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Ulster University, said:
“Gaelic games are of increasing interest to the Chinese people and there is a strong appetite to learn about the various sports, and replicate key tactics and the strong cultural identity which Ulster University’s GAA team has developed over many decades.”
“We’ll be playing several GAA teams, including a talented Beijing team, and sharing knowledge with the coaches on how to improve the players’ game and training regimes. When we get to Wuhan and Huangshi City, we’ll be taking Chinese language classes, learning martial arts and trying our hand at authentic Chinese cooking.”
For many of the students, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel across the world to an important global market. As well as promoting sporting excellence and acting as ambassadors for the University and Northern Ireland, they will be instrumental in helping the University and Randox build stronger relationships with new and existing partners.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, founder of Randox, said:
“We are pleased to support Ulster University’s Gaelic team as they embark on a very exciting tour of China. It is one of our most important markets, as we have been exporting to China since 1992 and we have had an established presence in the region for several years. This is a brilliant opportunity for our partnership with Ulster University to profile some of the young sporting talents of Northern Ireland and to strengthen key business relationships in an important market.”
For further information about the Randox-sponsored GAA tour, please contact Randox PR by phoning 028 9445 1016 or emailing RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox Testing Services (RTS) are the whistleblower and initiated the police forensic investigation. RTS support to police ongoing.
- RTS is the whistle-blower in this issue of forensic manipulation.
- In January 2017, RTS investigated an anomaly in a forensic report, identified manipulation of quality control data and immediately reported this to the police, accreditation agency and the forensic science regulator.
- This activity had not been identified in numerous external audits by the accreditation agency, other forensic science providers, or by defence experts in numerous cases.
- RTS are working with Greater Manchester Police, the Forensic Service Regulator and the Home Office to resolve the situation. The investigation now dates beyond RTS to laboratories which are unconnected to it. However, it was RTS action that identified this activity.
- RTS remain actively engaged with all the appropriate agencies to resolve the outstanding issues and are committed to supporting the criminal justice system.
- RTS is currently managing the process of retesting samples at appropriately accredited laboratories, as well as covering the associated costs.
- Two former employees remain on police bail. All appropriate pre-employment checks were conducted.
- RTS are new to the forensic science industry. The majority of staff were employed with experience from elsewhere in the forensic science industry, from both the public and private sectors.
- In light of these circumstance RTS volunteered and agreed to the suspension of the related forensic accreditation in RTS laboratories only. All other Randox laboratories are unaffected.
Randox proud to announce sponsorship of Engineering Technology Teachersā Association conference in Donegal
Diagnostic engineering company, Randox Teoranta, has been officially announced as the main sponsor of the Engineering Technology Teachers’ Association (ETTA) conference. Randox Teoranta, based in Donegal’s coastal town Dungloe, is the global diagnostic company’s hub for world-leading engineering and life sciences in the west of Ireland.
Randox Teoranta’s sponsorship of the renowned ETTA awards comes as it aims to attract Ireland’s top engineers and scientists to join the team which is based in its next-generation life science, engineering, research and manufacturing centre in Donegal.
The company is recognised globally for its commitment to improving healthcare and technology, and in the past year alone scientists and engineers at Randox Teoranta have developed a revolutionary test for Alzheimer’s disease, designed drug testing software to be used by police officers in criminal investigations, and engineered new technologies with the ability to detect disease and save lives. The team is currently working on cutting-edge research for key health issues including kidney disease, thyroid disease and gastrointestinal disorders.
ETTA is a voluntarily administered association which represents teachers of Engineering Technology and Metalwork. Its focus is to promote technology as an exciting career choice for young people, providing a National Engineering Awards programme for second level students. It works in conjunction with Engineers Ireland, third level colleges and the Department of Education to ensure the highest standards of Engineering Technology education.
In attendance on the launch evening in the Letterkenny Institute of Technology were Christina Mc Fadden, Breid Gallagher and Daniel Melly representing Randox Teoranta; Denis Mc Fadden and Jim Morrison from LYIT; and Dr. Martin Gormley, Director of Schools in Donegal ETB. There was also an excellent turnout from branch members on the night.
Chairperson of the Donegal Branch of the ETTA, Sean Mc Fadden said,
“We would like to acknowledge Randox Teoranta and express our sincere thanks on becoming the main sponsors for the ETTA National Conference 2017, bringing their wealth of knowledge, resources and expertise in the field of engineering to the table. Randox has been bringing high-end engineering employment to Donegal since it opened and are always enthusiastic to develop links with the Education sector here. The expansion of Randox Teoranta is an exciting prospect for many of our students with world-class engineering and technology now right on their doorstep.”
Christina Mc Fadden, Engineering Manager at Randox Teoranta said:
“We’re delighted to support these awards which honour the very best engineering students in Ireland. Randox’s success owes a great deal to our team of engineers who hold a prestigious MacRobert Award and are constantly driving new innovations that transform patients’ lives around the world. Since opening our R&D and manufacturing centre in Dungloe in 2010, we’ve provided unrivalled opportunities to mechanical, software and electrical engineers. We are committed to encouraging more people to see engineering as a viable career option, and then to ensure our very talented students are able to pursue outstanding careers here on this island.”
The ETTA Conference and Awards Ceremony will be hosted by Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th November 2017.
For further information about the Randox Teoranta sponsorship of the ETTA Awards, please contact Randox PR by phoning 028 9445 1016 or emailing RandoxPR@randox.com
