2 February 2011 -- New figures published by IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) today reveal a 7% growth in membership last year, with more than 32,000 chemical, process and biochemical engineers now part of the global membership society.
The number of members based in India doubled last year to 642, as well as strong growth in Malaysia (+45%) and New Zealand (+43%) where IChemE now has 3406 and 325 members respectively. The figures equate to a new member signing up around every four hours during 2010.
Neil Atkinson, director of qualifications and international development, says the global interest in IChemE is driven by changes in the process industries: “Our continued growth reflects strong interest in professional qualification and this is a trend we’re seeing all over the world. As the process industries globalise and economies develop, the need for ever-stronger chemical engineering talent pipelines emerges.”
IChemE’s status as a global organisation is now well established with members in more than 120 countries. With offices in Australia, China, Malaysia, New Zealand and the UK, IChemE ceo David Brown says the increasingly international spread of IChemE members is unsurprising given the nature of the process industries: “When I joined IChemE in 2006 our president at the time (Greg Lewin) described chemical engineering as a boundaryless profession.
“He recognised that chemical engineers are working across an increasingly diverse range of sectors and most effectively alongside other engineers, scientists and specialists.
“That makes our role as the professional organisation that represents chemical engineers more challenging. The boundaryless profession must be supported by a boundaryless institution,” says Brown.
1. For further media information, interviews or supporting photography, please contact:
Matt Stalker, Communications Manager, IChemE tel: +44 (0)1788 534455 / +44 (0)7802 834459 email: mstalker@icheme.org
2. About chemical engineers
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics to the process of turning raw materials into everyday products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
3. About IChemE
IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) is the hub for chemical, biochemical and process engineering professionals worldwide. With a growing global membership of over 30,000, the Institution is at the heart of the process community, promoting competence and a commitment to best practice, advancing the discipline for the benefit of society, encouraging young people in science and engineering and supporting the professional development of its members. For more information, visit www.icheme.org
Joanne Sharp Communications and Events Officer IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) (t) +44 (0) 1788 534433 (m) +44 (0) 7825 266815 (e) jsharp@icheme.org (w) www.icheme.org
