Every year on April 7, World Health Day highlights a global health priority — and it’s also a chance to spotlight how chemical engineers are helping shape a healthier future. From clean water to sustainable food systems to pharmaceutical breakthroughs, chemical engineers are at the forefront of innovation in global health.
Looking to get involved this World Health Day? Here are four meaningful ways to engage with AIChE:
1. Join a technical community
AIChE offers several member communities with a health focus. Consider joining:
Society for Biological Engineering (SBE)
As we celebrate World Health Day 2025, it’s the perfect time to highlight SBE and its impact on global health. For nearly two decades, SBE has united bioengineers across industry, academia, and government to tackle humanity’s greatest challenges. With an international reach, it continues to drive groundbreaking research, honor excellence with prestigious awards, and support a thriving network of student chapters.
Pharmaceutical Discovery, Development and Manufacturing Forum (PD2M)
The Pharmaceutical Discovery, Development, and Manufacturing Forum (PD2M) is dedicated to advancing innovation in the pharmaceutical space. Since 2012, it has connected professionals across disciplines to exchange ideas, tackle industry challenges, and drive progress. Through technical programs, workshops, and networking opportunities, PD2M keeps members informed on the latest breakthroughs while fostering collaboration and lifelong learning.
Food, Pharmaceutical & Bioengineering Division (FP&BE)
The Food, Pharmaceutical & Bioengineering Division (FP&BE) has been bringing engineers and scientists together since 1966. Focused on advancing food, pharmaceutical, and bioengineering fields, it provides a platform for collaboration, technical publications, and knowledge-sharing at national meetings. FP&BE also works with related societies, supports integrating biological sciences into chemical engineering curricula, and promotes sanitary design principles in process engineering.
These groups offer year-round opportunities to connect, collaborate, and stay informed about the latest innovations in health, biotech, and medicine.
2. AIChE Academy
AIChE Academy offers a variety of on-demand courses and webinars covering health-related topics such as biopharmaceutical processing, drug delivery technologies, clean water and sanitation solutions, AI in health manufacturing, and more.
This World Health Day, learn something new or share a course with your team to spark meaningful conversations.
3. Attend a conference
If you work in or are curious about pharmaceuticals, don't miss the chance to attend one of AIChE’s specialized conferences. A few highlights include:
9th International Conference on Accelerating Biopharmaceutical Development (AccBio 2025)
ACCBio 2025 takes place on April 9–11, 2025 in Carlsbad, CA. Senior thought leaders will explore cutting-edge strategies, AI innovations, and sustainable solutions driving biopharmaceutical development. Dive into transformative topics like patient-centric drug delivery systems and novel process technologies shaping the future of healthcare.
PD2M Conference on the New Frontiers in Pharmaceutical Drug Substance and Drug Product CMC for Novel Modalities
Join us at the PD2M Conference on May 6–7, 2025, in Lexington, MA, where leaders from academia, industry, and government will explore the latest breakthroughs in biopharmaceutical development. Engage in cutting-edge discussions on the challenges and innovations surrounding peptides, oligonucleotides, gene therapies, and more.
7th Commercializing Industrial Biotechnology (CIB 2025)
CIB 2025 will take place on May 13–15, 2025 in Cambridge, MA. Attend the conference to discover best practices, lessons learned, and technological innovations that accelerate the commercial production of bio-based products and support the circular bioeconomy. Engage with leaders in synthetic biology, fermentation, and industrial biotechnology, and explore the latest developments driving a new wave of products.
Metabolic Engineering 16 (ME16)
Join us on June 15–19, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark, for ME16, the premier conference in the field, offering a unique platform to explore the latest methodologies and applications while connecting with leading experts from industry and academia. This conference is the perfect opportunity to forge new collaborations and stay at the forefront of metabolic engineering advancements.
Discover more SBE conferences.
4. Support the AIChE Foundation
The AIChE Foundation powers programs that align with global health and sustainability goals, from student fellowships to research initiatives. This World Health Day, consider making a gift or getting involved in a campaign that speaks to your values.
This World Health Day, celebrate the critical role chemical engineers play in protecting and improving human health.
Not an AIChE member? Join or renew today.