IChemE Launches Inquiry into UK Chemical Engineering Research

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The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has announced a significant presidential inquiry into the current status and future trajectory of chemical engineering research within the United Kingdom. Led by IChemE President Raffaella Ocone, the inquiry is formally calling for evidence from stakeholders across academia, industry, and government.

The investigation seeks to evaluate the robustness, strategic direction, and long-term viability of the UK’s research infrastructure amidst mounting economic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges.
A Strategic Foundation for National Prosperity

Chemical engineering research serves as the technical backbone for sectors critical to the UK's economic future, including:

Energy and Net Zero Transition
Advanced Manufacturing and Materials
Healthcare and Life Sciences
Food and Water Security

IChemE emphasises that sustaining a resilient and globally competitive research ecosystem is a matter of “fundamental strategic importance” for the nation.
Objectives of the Inquiry

The presidential inquiry will focus on several core areas to ensure the discipline remains fit for the future:

Alignment with National Priorities: Assessing how research outputs support the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy. Structural Evaluation: Examining current funding models, career development pathways, and the efficacy of tripartite collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers. Gap Analysis: Identifying existing capabilities, potential risks, and emerging opportunities likely to define the discipline over the coming decade. Knowledge Transfer: Analysing the effectiveness of translating theoretical research into tangible industrial impact.

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has kicked off an important presidential inquiry to take a closer look at the current state and future direction of chemical engineering research in the UK. Spearheaded by IChemE President Raffaella Ocone, this inquiry is reaching out for input from a variety of stakeholders, including those in academia, industry, and government.

The goal of this investigation is to assess the strength, strategic focus, and long-term sustainability of the UK’s research infrastructure, especially in light of the growing economic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges we face today.

A Strategic Foundation for National Prosperity

Chemical engineering research is crucial for several key sectors that are vital to the UK's economic future, such as:

Energy and the Net Zero Transition
Advanced Manufacturing and Materials
Healthcare and Life Sciences
Food and Water Security

IChemE stresses that maintaining a strong and competitive research ecosystem is of “fundamental strategic importance” for the country.

Objectives of the Inquiry

This presidential inquiry will concentrate on a few key areas to ensure that the discipline is well-prepared for the future:

Alignment with National Priorities: Evaluating how research outcomes align with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy.
Structural Evaluation: Looking into current funding models, career development paths, and the effectiveness of collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers.
Gap Analysis: Identifying current strengths, potential risks, and new opportunities that could shape the discipline in the next decade.
Knowledge Transfer: Assessing how well theoretical research is being translated into real-world industrial applications.