Talent development for the irradiation industry – an iia Leadership Program success story
The iia is pleased to share that Adrián Arias Blanco, a participant in the 2023 iia Leadership Program, has been appointed as Quality Manager at Ionisos. This demonstrates the value of iia’s commitment to supporting the professional development of emerging talent and to introducing future business leaders to the irradiation community.
The 2023 Leadership Program hosted students nearing the end of their studies and graduates already working in the irradiation industry. The initiative focused on advancing practical knowledge, offering hands-on work experience, and facilitating the opportunity to create professional connections within the commercial irradiation community. Adrián’s career progression is a testament to the importance of equipping young professionals with the tools and opportunities needed to enter and contribute to the industry.
Below is a short Q&A with Adrián to learn more about his new position and how his connection with the iia helped him enter the irradiation industry.
What is your new role?
I am now the Quality Manager at the IONISOS site in Däniken, Switzerland, where I lead and oversee the Quality Department.
What are the responsibilities of your role?
In my role, I lead all quality assurance activities for the products processed at the site using electron beam technology. This involves a wide range of tasks, including designing and implementing product qualification procedures, managing deviations and non-conformities, implementing corrective and preventive actions, and performing risk assessments related to product quality… It is also important to highlight that I have a strong and supportive team, who assists me in areas where I have less experience or when additional expertise is needed.
How did the Leadership Program contribute to you landing this position?
Honestly, I would not be in this position today without the Leadership Program (LP). Since my very first steps in the field of radiation during my PhD with Xavier Coqueret at the Reims Institute of Molecular Chemistry, participating in the LP has opened new opportunities and projects that pushed me — in the best possible way — to develop extensive knowledge, which made me a strong candidate for this role. Equally important, the LP also helped me build the network of contacts that ultimately connected me with the people who offered me this opportunity.
Do you have any comments, or is there anything you would like to mention?
I would like to sincerely thank the iia for the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Program. I strongly encourage other potential candidates to take part in future editions and to explore the irradiation industry. It is an incredible field, full of exciting projects, numerous opportunities, and a very bright future.
The iia thanks Adrián for his thoughtful words and participation in the Leadership Program. We look forward to following his career journey and are confident he has a bright future ahead in the irradiation industry.
Learn more about the Leadership Program below: