The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE; www.aiche.org) and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE; www.IChemE.org) — two professional societies dedicated to advancing the application of chemical engineering expertise internationally — have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further collaboration for the benefit of chemical and process engineering and society as a whole. During 2024, this includes working together specifically on activities designed to build a stronger worldwide STEM (science, technology engineering, mathematics) workforce. This is a response to an emerging need to add more people — in particular, more chemical engineers — to the STEM professions, a move that is crucial to addressing global challenges such as industries’ transition to net zero, and the securing of sustainable food and water supplies.
The MoU was signed in June 2024 by Alan E. Nelson, AIChE’s 2024 President and Vice President of Technology – New Energy at SLB; and Nigel Hirst, 2023-2024 President of IChemE, during a meeting of AIChE and IChemE trustees held in London, U.K..
In terms of STEM skills and encouraging more people to consider careers related to chemical and process engineering, AIChE and IChemE will work together to:
• Establish an archive of free online resources available to teachers and other influencers, wherever they may be — to encourage young people to view STEM careers as important and desirable courses of study and future employment, and to pave paths for the next generation to move into chemical engineering jobs. The creation of these resources will leverage the collective expertise and knowledge embodied by chemical and process engineers affiliated with AIChE, IChemE, and other professional organizations.
• Identify gaps in this suite of resources and determine how to improve their usability, in collaboration with university-level chemical engineering teachers and with input from young people and their influencers.
• Encourage other chemical engineering societies and institutions around the world to join the collaboration — to explore how to best share and adapt the resources to inspire students and engineers across geographies.
In remarks delivered at the MoU signing, AIChE’s Alan Nelson said, “At a time when chemical engineering and STEM expertise is urgently needed, this latest partnership between AIChE and IChemE is a step toward equipping the world with a workforce that is prepared to handle society’s shared and evolving challenges. AIChE is pleased to combine the acumen of its members and stakeholders with the expertise of IChemE’s constituents as we engage in strengthening the STEM pipeline for the benefit of all.”
Responding to the signing of the MoU, 2024 President of IChemE Nigel Hirst commented, “We all benefit from a wider pool of talent in the STEM professions, and IChemE have a proud history of encouraging new people into these careers. We are delighted to join forces with AIChE to promote the worldwide STEM workforce.”
This is the latest joint activity entered into by AIChE and IChemE. In a prior partnership announced in 2023, the two societies signed a letter of intent to build a global alliance centered on the use of hydrogen. That collaboration aims to support industry in the adoption of hydrogen as an energy carrier for industrial and commercial applications, and to help pave the road to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
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About AIChE:
Established in 1908, AIChE is a professional society of 60,000 chemical engineers in 110 countries. Its members work in corporations, universities and government using their knowledge of chemical processes to develop safe and useful products for the benefit of society. Through its varied programs, AIChE continues to be a focal point for information exchange on the frontiers of chemical engineering research in such areas as energy, sustainability, biological and environmental engineering, nanotechnology and chemical plant safety and security. More information about AIChE is available at www.aiche.org.
About IChemE:
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is the qualifying body and learned society for chemical, biochemical, and process engineers in the UK and worldwide, with over 30,000 members. Our mission is to champion the input of chemical engineers to create a sustainable future. We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration. Find out more about IChemE and our strategic vision of Engineering a Sustainable World at icheme.org
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