Inquiry into the state of chemical engineering research in the United Kingdom

1. Introduction

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is undertaking an inquiry into the state, direction and sustainability of chemical engineering research in the United Kingdom (UK).

Chemical engineering research underpins a wide range of sectors critical to the UK’s economic prosperity, environmental objectives and societal wellbeing, including but not limited to energy, manufacturing, materials, health, food, water, and the transition to net zero. Ensuring that the UK maintains a strong, resilient, and internationally competitive research base is of fundamental strategic importance.

The inquiry is being conducted by IChemE, chaired by President Raffaella Ocone, to invite and consider evidence from across academia, industry, government, and the wider research ecosystem.

The inquiry will seek to identify not only current strengths and challenges but also gaps and the strategic choices that will shape the future of chemical engineering research in the UK.

2. Purpose of the Inquiry

The purpose of this inquiry is to:

• assess the current health and diversity of chemical engineering research in the UK
• examine how well research activity aligns with national industrial, environmental and societal priorities, including the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and priority growth sectors
• consider the effectiveness of current funding structures, incentives, and career pathways
• explore the relationship between academia, industry, and government in shaping research direction
• identify strengths, challenges, risks, and opportunities for the future.

The inquiry will report in various ways, including a report setting out key findings and recommendations aimed at supporting a resilient, impactful and internationally competitive chemical engineering research ecosystem.

3. Call for evidence

From 20 March 2026 to 8 May 2026, we ran a call for evidence and invited those involved in chemical engineering research to send us information to support our inquiry. IChemE extends its sincere thanks to all individuals and organisations who contributed evidence, insights and perspectives. We have received a substantial number of submissions from across academia, industry, and researchers.

These contributions provide evidence and experience-based perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and future direction of chemical engineering research. Responses reflect the sector’s strong commitment to supporting a resilient, internationally competitive and impactful research base and will play a prominent role in shaping the Inquiry’s findings and next steps.

4. Next steps

While the call for evidence is over, we plan to undertake further activities to collect more information and derive recommendations. This will provide stakeholders with further opportunities to engage with this work.

To stay informed on the inquiry, please follow IChemE’s social media channels where updates on progress and emerging outputs will be notified.