Institute News: September 2024

Chemical Engineers “Stepping Up” to Lead the Energy Transition, Oct. 30 at the AIChE Annual Meeting

With sights set on the future — and an objective of reimaging the chemical engineering profession — the organizers of the 2024 AIChE Annual Meeting (Oct. 27–31 in San Diego, CA) are drafting a slate of events that aim to guide the community along new and opportune paths. (See article, pp. 56–57.)

In one of those efforts, leaders of AIChE’s Fellows network, along with representatives of the Science History Institute (SHI; www.sciencehistory.org), are envisioning “Chemical Engineers Stepping Up to Lead the Energy Transition.” At that session, scheduled for Oct. 30, interdisciplinary thought leaders will reflect on the transition from current to future energy needs. Annual Meeting attendees will join the discussion on how chemical engineers can play an influential role during this transition.

In explaining the impetus for the “Stepping Up” session, Gayle Gibson, an AIChE Fellow and an organizer of the session, described the world’s changing energy picture, with industry’s interests ranging from renewable sources to new regulations, and from economics to new technology and tools. “With chemical engineers equipped to be at the forefront of the energy transition,” said Gibson, “learnings from transitions of the past can help us with the current and future challenges. That includes the importance of engaging all stakeholders and seeking multidisciplinary solutions.”