IChemE global conference to tackle chemical engineering’s biggest challenges

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has opened registration for ChemEngConnect 2026, a free-to-attend, two-week virtual conference running from 15 to 25 June. For the first time, the event expands beyond its origins in the Australia and New Zealand community to become a truly global gathering, bringing together more than 30 speakers from across Europe, Asia-Pacific and beyond for 28 sessions covering the most pressing issues facing the profession today.

Topics include artificial intelligence, carbon capture, energy transition, decarbonisation, sustainability, safety and water, alongside professional development sessions on ethics, diversity and inclusion, and communication skills. Attendees can earn up to 28 CPD hours across the programme. Sessions are scheduled to run during UK morning hours, making them accessible across both European and Asia-Pacific time zones. The conference is open to members and non-members alike, and recordings will be available to IChemE members after the event.

Yvonne Baker OBE, Chief Executive of IChemE, said "ChemEngConnect 2026 represents a significant moment for our profession. Chemical engineers are tackling some of the defining challenges of our time - from the energy transition to the responsible adoption of AI - and those conversations need to be global ones. With 28 sessions, more than 30 speakers and free access for anyone to attend, we've removed every barrier we can. There is no reason not to be part of this."

The conference features a diverse international speaker line-up. IChemE President Raffaella Ocone will appear alongside past President David Bogle and Chemeca medallist David Shallcross in a session dedicated to ethics in chemical engineering. IChemE Treasurer Liz Hallifax will lead a session on AI and the future of the profession. Matthew Watson, Professor at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, will present on process engineering, while Rafil Elyas, Past Chair of the IChemE Malaysian Board, will explore the use of dynamic simulation in oil and gas. Communications specialist Brenda Denbesten of Speakworthy will lead a session on the importance of communication skills for engineers.

The programme also includes sessions from early career representatives and recently chartered and Fellow members, offering practical insights into professional development and the membership journey.

Previously run as a regional event for the Asia-Pacific community, ChemEngConnect 2026 marks the first time IChemE has brought the conference to a global audience - reflecting the organisation's commitment to connecting chemical engineers wherever they are in the world.

Registration is now open. For the full programme and to register free of charge, visit the ChemEngConnect website.

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 32,000 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.