Milestones

First public recognition of the term ‘chemical engineer’, when an attempt was made to establish a ‘Society of Chemical Engineers’ in London. It was soon found that membership of such a society would be too limited in its numbers, and the project was abandoned.

Meeting held and decision taken to form, if possible, a subject group in chemical engineering within the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

First meeting of those interested in forming a qualifying body for the profession of chemical engineering.

Inaugural Meeting of the new Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) held at the Hotel Cecil in London.

Institution of Chemical Engineers formally incorporated under the Companies Act, with its objects being set out in a Memorandum of Association.

Sir Arthur Duckham elected as the Institution’s first President. 61 Members and 20 Associate Members were then elected into membership.

Seal of the Institution, designed by Edith Hinchley, and representing the emblematic watering of the Tree of Knowledge from the Fountains of Chemistry and Engineering was approved by the Provisional Council and presented to the Institution by Sir Arthur Duckham as an enduring memento of his Presidency.

The Institution occupied three rooms at Abbey House, Victoria Street, London, having made arrangements with the Chemical Engineering Group to secure joint office accommodation.

First meeting of the Council held.

First issue of certificates made to Members, Associate Members and Honorary Members.

The Benevolent Fund was approved and set-up.

The Institution moved to new offices at 56 Victoria Street, London. This provided them with a more dignified Council room, a committee room and library as well as office and storage space.

Total membership exceeded 1000 for the first time.

Professionally qualified membership exceeded 1000 for the first time.

The Institution’s regular bulletin was published for the first time as The Chemical Engineer.

Royal Charter granted.

HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was pleased to become the first Royal Patron of the Institution.

Official seal bearing the Coat of Arms of the Institution was adopted by Council during the year.

Han Hoog became the first IChemE President elected from overseas.

IChemE AGM was held in Birmingham: the first time that it had been held outside of London since its foundation.

The Institution’s new administrative headquarters building was opened at Railway Terrace, Rugby.

The Institution moved out of Belgrave Square and re-located the London office to 8-12 Old Queen Street, Westminster.

Establishment of the first subject group (now known as a special interest group) in separation processes.

IChemE’s Northern Branch organised a successful initial conference on Major Loss Prevention in the Process Industries in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. This conference broke new ground in that papers were given not only by chemical engineers and related technologists, but also by those concerned with insurance and fire prevention.

IChemE’s celebrates its Double Jubilee (60 years since foundation and 25 years since award of the Royal Charter).

Refurbishment completed of additional premises. This provided new accommodation for the Conference and Course Centre and was the main facility in Rugby for meetings of Council, committees and continuing education courses.

First Awards Dinner held (in conjunction with the ET94 conference in Birmingham, UK).

IChemE’s extended headquarters building in Rugby, formally opened by the Rt Hon David Hunt MBE MP.

IChemE celebrates its 75^th anniversary.

Julia Stretton Higgins DBE becomes the first woman to be elected President of the Institution.

Launch of Strategy 2024.

IChemE issues its position statement on climate change.

IChemE celebrates its centenary.

Strategy28+ is launched.