The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) — two professional societies dedicated to advancing the application of chemical engineering expertise internationally — have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further collaboration for the benefit of chemical and process engineering and society as a whole. During 2024, this includes working together specifically on activities designed to build a stronger worldwide STEM (science, technology engineering, mathematics) workforce. This is a response to an emerging need to add more people — in particular, more chemical engineers — to the STEM professions, a move that is crucial to addressing global challenges such as industries’ transition to net zero, and the securing of sustainable food and water supplies.
The MoU was signed in June 2024 by Alan E. Nelson, AIChE’s 2024 President and Vice President of Technology – New Energy at SLB; and Nigel Hirst, 2023-4 President of IChemE, during a meeting of AIChE and IChemE trustees held in London, U.K.
In terms of STEM skills and encouraging more people to consider careers related to chemical and process engineering, AIChE and IChemE will work together to:
Establish an archive of free online resources available to teachers and other influencers, wherever they may be — to encourage young people to view STEM careers as important and desirable courses of study and future employment, and to pave paths for the next generation to move into chemical engineering jobs. The creation of these resources will leverage the collective expertise and knowledge embodied by chemical and process engineers affiliated with AIChE, IChemE, and other professional organizations.
Identify gaps in this suite of resources and determine how to improve their usability, in collaboration with university-level chemical engineering teachers and with input from young people and their influencers.
Encourage other chemical engineering societies and institutions around the world to join the collaboration — to explore how to best share and adapt the resources to inspire students and engineers across geographies.
In remarks delivered at the MoU signing, AIChE’s Alan Nelson said, “At a time when chemical engineering and STEM expertise is urgently needed, this latest partnership between AIChE and IChemE is a step toward equipping the world with a workforce that is prepared to handle society’s shared and evolving challenges. AIChE is pleased to combine the acumen of its members and stakeholders with the expertise of IChemE’s constituents as we engage in strengthening the STEM pipeline for the benefit of all.
Responding to the signing of the MoU, 2024 President of IChemE Nigel Hirst commented “We all benefit from a wider pool of talent in the STEM professions, and IChemE have a proud history of encouraging new people into these careers. We are delighted to join forces with AIChE to promote the worldwide STEM workforce.”
This is the latest joint activity entered into by AIChE and IChemE. In a prior partnership announced in 2023, the two societies signed a letter of intent to build a global alliance centered on the use of hydrogen. That collaboration aims to support industry in the adoption of hydrogen as an energy carrier for industrial and commercial applications, and to help pave the road to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
*Image courtesy of AIChe.
