Research and Innovation Community of Practice

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About us

The Research and Innovation Community of Practice (R&I CoP) is an international group of members with an interest in research and innovation who are keen to:

  • build networks, knowledge and skills;
  • share knowledge and engage in joint problem-solving on international challenges to support the IChemE members and IChemE strategy; and
  • engage with research policy and strengthen the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship in chemical engineering.

The R&I CoP was formed at the start of 2021 and replaces three separate committees – the UK Research Committee, the Australian Research Committee, and the Early Career Research Forum. Former members of the three groups are represented on the CoP’s leadership group.

The R&I CoP supports the goals as set out in IChemE’s Strategy 2024, to support research and innovation by identifying and promoting key areas of research and innovation in chemical engineering. Research and innovation also form an integral part of IChemE’s technical strategy, Chemical Engineering Matters, which sets out the importance of chemical engineering research in addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The leadership group’s programme of work includes knowledge projects, with international scope where possible, that align with Strategy 2024 and the Learned Society Priority Topics and considers projects, communications and policy.

The R&I CoP acts as a point of contact for government, research councils and other organisations seeking a chemical engineering view on research and innovation. The CoP will coordinate responses on research and innovation policy in countries where IChemE has a national board.

IChemE members can join the R&I CoP in a similar way to which members can join special interest groups (SIGs). This allows members to stay informed of the R&I CoP’s activities, volunteer to participate in projects the CoP is undertaking, and contribute to policy consultations the CoP is engaging in.

If you have any questions or wish to contribute to the work of the R&I CoP, please contact chemengmatters@icheme.org.