OUTbio Ireland

Empowering LGBTQI+ Professionals in Life Sciences & Related Industries

ABOUT US

OUTbio Ireland’s mission is to empower LGBTQI+ professionals in the life sciences and related industries, through networking, education, advocacy, professional development and peer support

OUTbio Ireland was established in 2022 by a small number of life sciences professionals. Today we have over 150 members and allies as we continue to grow our network

OUTbio Ireland is a member of the global OUTbio Network with other chapters in the EU, UK and US

OUR SPONSORS

Our mission would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their financial contributions and visible commitment empowers progress in building a more inclusive, representative, and equitable industry

Our Sponsor’s support enable us to deliver free and accessible events to our members ranging from professional development panels to social and wellness gatherings, funds our mentoring programme, connecting early-career professionals with experienced LGBTQI+ leaders and promotes LGBTQI+ visibility in science and business, both locally and internationally

EVENTS

At OUTbio Ireland, we host a wide range of events designed to connect, inspire, and empower LGBTQI+ professionals and allies across the life sciences sector. Our programming reflects the diverse interests and backgrounds of our community—ranging from casual social gatherings to insightful keynote talks by leaders in industry and government

You can expect:

Networking and informal meet-ups to build genuine peer connections
Outdoor and wellness activities like hikes, community walks, and Pride celebrations
Panel discussions and fireside chats with diversity & inclusion officers, HR leaders, and LGBTQI+ executives
Special keynotes from Irish government ministers, policy advocates, and thought leaders in STEM and equality
Collaborative events with partner organisations, academic institutions, and international OUTbio chapters

Pride 2025 event hosted by William Fry with guest speaker Samuel Riggs - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Manager at Iarnród Éireann

March 2025 event hosted by AbbVie with guest speaker Brendan Courtney discussing the importance of allyship

March 2023 event with guest speaker Adam Shanley HIV Ireland

MEET OUR COMMITTEE

Peter McFarlane

Peter works at MSD and is responsible for the project management, deployment and release of new HR capabilities to support its global workforce. Peter is actively involved in the DE&I space and is the Operations Lead for the MSD Europe Women’s Network, and a site Chapter Lead for the MSD Rainbow Alliance. Outside of work, Peter is a Dublin native, and enjoys listening to podcasts, keeping active through CrossFit and running, and spending time with his partner and dog.
Jonathan Newton

Jonathan (aka: Jay) works in the Innovative Partnerships, Corporate Development, and Strategic Healthcare group at ICON. Outside of work, Jay is a member of sports clubs (Emerald Warriors all inclusive rugby club, LGBTQ+ Stoneballerz Softball), professional networks (Proud Science Alliance, myGworks), and dedicates time to mentee programs/charities.
Derek Hughes

Derek has been working in the pharmaceutical industry for 15 years in Dublin, currently working at Bristol Myers Squibb. In his spare time, Derek likes to travel, having travelled to all continents other than Antarctica, hiking and getting out into nature, watching movies, socialising with friends and family.
Barry Downey

Barry has worked in the biopharma industry in Ireland for over 20 years and currently works in a Global Supply Chain Quality role with GSK in Dublin. He recently got married for the second time - but to the same person (Niall) thanks to pandemic restrictions and the desire to celebrate twice! He is a huge Eurovision fan who will tell you who is going to be in the running to win months before the big event.
Darcy Bowman

Darcy works in Public Affairs and leads communications and community engagement efforts for Gilead in oncology and haematology across the UK and Ireland. With his partner and two pets in tow, he moved to Dublin from London, via a stint in Brussels, back in 2018 while working agency side in health comms. In his spare time, he’s working on a Master’s in Science and Health comms at DCU, and particularly enjoys the things few other capital cities have: the mountains and the sea.
Mark Gaffney

Mark works in IT Operations at ICON and has recently joined our committee. Mark also volunteers with LGBT Ireland and prior to that volunteered with Belong To and Junior Achievements Ireland (JAI). In his spare time Mark likes to keep active in the gym, cycling, hiking and has a real passion for travel, food and cooking.