IChemE brings academic leaders together to discuss the state of chemical engineering research in the UK
25th September 2026
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) brought together senior academic leaders on Thursday 10 September 2026 for the final roundtable in its Presidential Inquiry into the state of chemical engineering research in the UK.
Held at IChemE's new London office at Saffron Hill, the hybrid session brought together representatives from Heads of Chemical Engineering UK (HCEUK) to discuss the pressures facing university-based chemical engineering research and the long-term strength of the discipline.
HCEUK is an independent body representing senior chemical engineering leaders from universities and higher education institutions. Established to support communication and collaboration across the sector, it brings together more than 30 members and works closely with IChemE on issues affecting chemical engineering education and research.
The session was chaired by Stephen Metcalfe, IChemE political adviser and former Chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee.
Discussion focused on several areas emerging through the Presidential Inquiry, including the visibility and identity of chemical engineering, research funding and accountability, the doctoral and technical talent pipeline, university–industry partnerships, and the infrastructure needed to move research from the laboratory towards commercial deployment.
Participants also considered how chemical engineering can respond to national priorities while maintaining the strength of the core discipline, and what practical action could help support the UK's academic research base over the longer term.
The workshop marked the final event in a series of Presidential Inquiry roundtables. Previous sessions, held online, explored research funding structures, the scale-up and deployment gap, and the early-career and talent pipeline. Evidence gathered across the roundtables, alongside written submissions and other engagement undertaken through the Inquiry, will now inform the final report and its recommendations.
The final report is in development and will be published after the Inquiry completes its evidence review and analysis.
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries.
We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.