IChemE records strong performance in 2013

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has recorded another successful year in 2013 which saw spending on charitable activities increase to nearly £7 million (US$11.8 million).

During the year, IChemE’s global membership grew by four per cent to nearly 38,000 including a record number of students starting chemical engineering courses at IChemE’s accredited universities around the world.

The highest standards of professionalism in the chemical and process industries were achieved by 460 members, who became Chartered Chemical Engineers for the first time – an increase of 15 per cent compared to 2012. 

IChemE’s mission to advance chemical engineering worldwide was also supported with the appointment of 150 new Fellows.

Nearly a third of IChemE’s members (12,000) were actively involved in developing the profession in over 20 specialist fields including oil and natural gas; safety loss and prevention; food and drink; and alternative and renewable energy.

Skills and knowledge were enhanced as over 6,000 delegates took part in more than 50 online webinars, 30 conferences and events, and over 50 training courses hosted around the world. 

IChemE’s chief executive, David Brown, said: “Our total income passed £7 million for the first time – up six per cent year-on-year – and robust management delivered an operating surplus which will be re-invested into the future of the profession. 

“However, our excellent financial performance and success in all aspects of our business cannot be achieved without the army of volunteers that supports our work. Members of Council, national boards, special interest groups, regional member groups, whynotchemeng volunteers, conference committees, membership interviewers, report assessors, accreditation panellists, staff and more are all behind our success. We thank you all once again.”

Judith Hackitt CBE, IChemE’s president, said: “My year has flown by and it has been a pleasure and honour to serve as IChemE president. I have certainly appreciated the tremendous support from members of Council, IChemE and the broader membership, and proud that our collective efforts have contributed to another excellent performance in 2013.

“At the start of my presidency, I announced that IChemE’s technical policy, Chemical Engineering Matters, would be my focus. As my presidency comes to a close I believe we now have firm foundations to continue to engage and explain to the wider world the importance and contribution that our profession has to the success and sustainability of our planet.”