IChemE convenes expert roundtable on the contribution of chemical engineering to public policy
25th April 2025
On 24 April at ChemEngDayUK 2025 hosted by the University of Sheffield, IChemE brought together a range of experts for a roundtable panel discussion on the contribution chemical engineering has to make to public policy, and how this contribution can be unlocked.
Chemical engineering offers ways of thinking and solving problems that are well matched to the type of complex challenges that occur regularly in public policy, yet chemical engineers – and engineers more widely – are not as commonly thought of in connection with policy as some other fields (such as lawyers, economists or communications professionals). In addition, chemical engineers are often less likely to be exposed to the world of public policy, or to be shown how they can contribute as part of their training.
At this year’s ChemEngDayUK conference, IChemE hosted a session on chemical engineering and public policy, to give conference attendees a chance to learn more about this work and how they might get involved. As part of the session, IChemE convened a roundtable chaired by IChemE Deputy President Raffaella Ocone looking at the contribution chemical engineering has to make to policy, and how this contribution can be best unlocked.
The policy session was well attended and a number of themes emerged from the discussion, including the wide range of areas within public policy where chemical engineering knowledge and ways of thinking can make a difference; the need for systems thinking across government (especially to meet the challenge of net zero); and the fundamentally different ways that academia and government use language and see the world.
IChemE will be uploading a write-up of the discussion shortly. Find out more about the IChemE policy team and keep up with its wider work.
Links
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 30,000 members in more than 100 countries.
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.