IChemE convenes expert roundtable on AI enablement in Melbourne

On 1 October, IChemE hosted an industry roundtable at Natural Velocity, an AI Innovation Centre in the heart of Melbourne's Docklands, bringing together senior industry, academic and policy stakeholders to discuss the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and its implications for the future of engineering practice.

AI adoption is accelerating across industry, with these technologies increasingly being used to support data analysis, modelling, decision-making and operational efficiency. Recognising both the opportunities and challenges this presents, participants shared emerging use cases, discussed key risks and opportunities, and explored how the engineering profession can harness AI responsibly to drive innovation and productivity.

IChemE President Ollie Folayan was in attendance and shared insights from his Presidential Inquiry, identifying AI as one of the five key forces shaping the future of chemical engineering. Facilitated by Benjy Lee, Entrepreneur in Residence, Energy & AI at Natural Velocity, discussions highlighted the growing role of AI in transforming engineering workflows, driving innovation, and improving productivity across the profession. Participants also explored the opportunities, risks, barriers and enablers associated with the large-scale adoption of AI.

Several key themes emerged:

• AI should inform decisions rather than make them. While AI can analyse large volumes of data, identify patterns, automate routine tasks and improve efficiency, accountability and decision-making must remain with competent engineering professionals. Participants emphasised the importance of standards, governance and safeguards to support responsible adoption.
• Organisations are already trialling AI to improve productivity and streamline workflows. By reducing time spent on administrative and routine tasks, AI can enable engineers to focus on higher-value technical and strategic work.
• AI-driven digital twins and connected systems have significant potential to optimise operations, improve asset performance and support more integrated industrial ecosystems, particularly in the process industries and energy transition.
• The role of chemical engineers is evolving. As routine tasks become increasingly automated, participants noted the importance of ensuring graduates and early-career engineers continue to develop the practical experience, judgement and problem-solving skills gained through site exposure and hands-on learning.

The roundtable concluded that AI is not replacing chemical engineers; rather, it is reshaping the profession. Success will depend on combining AI-enabled tools with strong engineering judgement, robust governance frameworks, practical experience and a clear strategy for developing the next generation of engineers.

IChemE will publish an anonymised summary of the discussion and continue working with industry, academia and policymakers to explore the responsible adoption of AI across the profession. Find out more about the IChemE policy team and its wider work.

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.