Policy roundup: Presidential Inquiry update

In late April, IChemE launched its first Presidential Inquiry into chemical engineering research in the UK. Submissions from the initial call for evidence indicated that the sector is innovative and globally influential, but also highlighted three key areas of risk: the talent pipeline, funding structures and the scale-up gap. Over the last few months, we have been gathering further evidence and holding workshops to explore these themes in more detail.

Participants highlighted pressures on the UK research base from short funding cycles, low grant success rates, limited support for high-risk work and barriers to scale-up. They also raised concerns about industry mobility, pilot facilities, permitting and fragmented support, pointing to a need for stronger collaboration across government, funders, industry and academia.

Many of these themes will resonate with Employer Partners, particularly those involved in developing future talent, working with universities or supporting innovation and research activities within their organisations.

We have a couple more workshops planned in the coming weeks and are working to analyse and validate the information and recommendations provided. The Inquiry's findings will be published later this year.

We encourage Employer Partners to get involved. We are keen to hear from individuals and organisations with perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing the research sector.

Interested in contributing? Contact: policy@icheme.org.