Some chemical engineering students and early-career industrialists considering a career in research have pre-conceived ideas and misconceptions about chemical engineering research. This project challenged these perceptions by highlighting the available career paths and the breadth and diversity of individuals within chemical engineering research.

This project (previously known as 'Challenging perceptions in chemical engineering research') followed on from the key findings of an initial survey conducted on the perceptions of chemical engineering research, which was reported on in this blog. From this, further work was conducted in order to give a more holistic view of what careers in chemical engineering research entail.

The project aligned with two of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the following ways:

• SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth - by creating dialogue and awareness around opportunities for students and early careers.
• SDG 5: Gender equality - by ensuring diversity of input and engagement within the scope of the project.
  

Project objectives

The objectives of this project were to:

1. To evaluate the perceptions and drivers for early career individuals and students in the UK and Ireland engaging with chemical engineering research.
2. To provide thought leadership on how IChemE can better engage with early career individuals and students on the topic of chemical engineering research.
3. To contribute to the wider engineering discussion on how education policy can be changed to better prepare students for a career in chemical engineering research.

Outputs

The main output of the project is a booklet that presents nine case studies showcasing early careers researchers. The booklet highlights different career paths and the breadth and diversity of individuals’ research in the field of chemical engineering. The booklet presents conclusions and recommendations to IChemE on how to support early career researchers in the UK and Ireland, based on the case studies. Download the Career Journeys booklet >>

A webinar is planned, aiming to communicate some perspectives and insights gained through the project to early career members of IChemE who are considering a beginning a research degree or following a research career pathway.

More information

If you would like to know more about this project, please contact lsc@icheme.org.