15 June 2012
IChemE calls on graduates to apply for parliamentary placement
Applications are now being accepted for a chemical engineering research fellowship in memory of former MP and chemical engineer Ashok Kumar.
The Ashok Kumar Fellowship is a unique opportunity for one successful graduate to spend three months working at the UK Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST). The first fellowship was completed earlier this year and a second recipient will begin work at POST in late 2012. The fellowship is jointly funded by IChemE and the North-East of England Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC).
The fellowship was set up in memory of Ashok Kumar, the only serving chemical engineer in UK parliament at the time of his sudden death in 2010. Kumar was an IChemE Fellow who had been the Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and Cleveland East since 1997, his second time in parliament following a brief stint in 1991.
David Brown IChemE ceo says ‘“Ashok Kumar was a stalwart supporter of the profession and of the process industries. We’re delighted to co-fund this important fellowship that pays tribute to a great man and highlights the importance of increasing political understanding of the value of engineering in parliament.”
This fellowship funds a post-graduate student to work within parliament and produce a short briefing paper, contribute to a longer report or assist a select committee in a current inquiry that is relevant to chemical/ process engineering or the process industries
“Chemical engineering has a vital role to play in many aspects of society from water supply and safe food production to alternative energy sources and health and safety, so it is important that there is greater and better engagement between engineers and policy makers,” adds Brown.
To download the application form and more information about the fellowship post go to http://www.icheme.org/careers/ashok%20kumar%20fellowship.aspx
The closing date for applications is 31 October 2012.
The first fellowship recipient was Iwan Roberts. He blogged about his placement at http://ichemeakf.wordpress.com/
Notes to Editors
For further media information, interviews or supporting photography, please contact:
Matt Stalker, IChemE communications manager
tel: +44 (0)1788 534455 / +44 (0)7802 834459
email:mstalker@icheme.org
Samantha Tyson, IChemE communications officer
tel: +44 (0)1788 534454
email: styson@icheme.org
Trish Dwyer, IChemE communications officer
tel:+61 (0)3 9642 4494
email: tdwyer@icheme.org
About chemical engineers
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics to the process of turning raw materials into everyday products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
About IChemE
IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) is the hub for chemical, biochemical and process engineering professionals worldwide. With a growing global membership of over 35,000, the Institution is at the heart of the process community, promoting competence and a commitment to best practice, advancing the discipline for the benefit of society, encouraging young people in science and engineering and supporting the professional development of its members. For more information, visit www.icheme.org