We are recognised as a vibrant learned society that materially impacts on the Global Grand Challenges

Address major challenges

Chemical engineers are at the forefront of key programmes that are working to address some of the world’s major challenges. It is important that through our learned society function we work to address society’s Grand Challenges for Engineering and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by proactively engaging in government reviews, consultations, and policy debates, where we can make a meaningful and evidence-based contribution. Working with our strategic partners, through shared learning and insights, and within a wider group of peers, professionals and citizens, we collaborate to catalyse effective solutions.

How will we achieve this?

By working in partnership and collaborating openly to catalyse a wider group of peers, professionals and citizens, we will share learning, insight and ‘challenger’ thinking. We all have a key role in encouraging knowledge transfer, codifying good practice and facilitating professional networks.

Develop insight and opinion

We will:

  • demonstrate that chemical engineering matters

  • develop and promote the voice of IChemE by:

    • working alongside other professions to provide a collective voice on joint issues
  • develop and communicate policy position statements, informed by expert opinion, that:

    • show technical leadership in engagement with governments, intergovernmental organisations and other relevant global bodies; and

    • identify and promote expertise, informing decision- and policy-making to address
      society’s challenges.
Provide professional and technical leadership

We will:

  • support research and innovation by:

    • identifying and promoting key areas of research in chemical engineering and
      sharing outcomes and findings
  • produce and promote technical standards and guidance by:

    • engaging actively in knowledge transfer activities and be seen as the home of good practice guides for all core aspects of chemical engineering
  • develop and support special interest groups, members groups, communities of practice and relevant forums by:

    • using globally-accessible technology platforms to engage chemical engineers and assist them in their work; and

    • empowering members to collaborate across geographies, special interests and with peers and partners.
  • enable digital literacy by:

    • tracking new technologies and contributing to dialogues about these advancements in the field of chemical, biochemical and process engineering;

    • equipping members with the latest industry information and news and facilitating debate and dialogue, so members can adapt and respond to the rapidly-changing environment; and

    • supporting members to harness innovations created through systems thinking, artificial intelligence and automation.
  • promote a diverse profession by:

    • supporting and advocating for wider networking programmes across geographies, sectors and special interest groups that encourage participation from all sectors of society
Strategic outcomes
  • our good practice guides are adopted by client bodies, consultants and contractors

  • consultations with our members on technical matters, research programmes and strategic partnerships positively affect the global reputation of chemical engineering

  • volunteer engagement (geographical members groups and special interest groups) is better enabled, and their contributions are linked to relevant Grand Challenges and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

  • connections and engagement with our knowledgeable and skilled members are fostered and, as a result, they will adapt to (and influence) current and future challenges for chemical engineers

  • we are consulted by governments and regulators on relevant policy matters

  • our ‘voice’ is sought-after and cited in media and policy debates