2023 Presidential Address
Nigel Hirst delivered his Presidential Address on Wednesday 14 June 2023 to mark his inauguration as the 82nd President of IChemE.
Delivered from the Royal Society of Chemistry in London, an audience of members, trustees and invited guests were physically present with many more watching live online.
Entitled Chemical Engineering: Science…or Art?, the Presidential Address examined how chemical engineering is much more than purely a scientific concept and, particularly given how the profession is evolving to cover wider business, environmental and ethical disciplines, is also an art.
In his Address, Nigel set out his ambitions for how IChemE can make a positive impact on society through sharing knowledge and expertise, encouraging volunteering and highlighting the critical contributions of engineers in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Nigel also shared his desire for ensuring that every young person understands how valuable and rewarding a career in engineering can be, and that they are able to access IChemE membership whatever route they take.
Before taking up the role of IChemE’s Deputy President in 2022, Nigel served for three and a half years as the inaugural Chair of the Institution’s member advisory body, Congress. Elected by the membership to take up the position of President of the Institution from June 2023, the formal handover of the Presidency to Nigel was given by the 81st President, David Bogle, during IChemE’s Annual General Meeting held on 13 June 2023.
Read Nigel Hirst’s biography.