Why Our Profession Has Never Mattered More
A perspective from Joseph D. Smith, 2025 President of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers
We live in amazing times—where space travel has become routine, fusion reactors are more than a dream, and new biomedical technologies are steadily improving our quality of life. As the 2025 President of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), I'm continually inspired by how our profession sits at the very heart of these advancements 1 .
Chemical engineers are uniquely positioned to tackle the world's most pressing challenges, from climate change to energy poverty and beyond. What makes this moment particularly exciting is how we're combining traditional chemical engineering principles with cutting-edge tools like artificial intelligence and sustainable design to create solutions that were once unimaginable 4 . We're not just process engineers; we're global problem-solvers, and there's never been a more thrilling time to be in our field.
Chemical engineers enable advances in propulsion systems and life support
Developing new drug delivery systems and medical technologies
Creating sustainable energy solutions for a carbon-neutral future
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have outlined six key areas where chemical engineers are driving transformative change 4 . These aren't distant future aspirations—they're areas where we're actively making progress today:
| Technical Area | Impact Examples | Current Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Decarbonization of Energy | Lower-carbon energy systems, energy carrier optimization | Hydrogen fuel cell recycling, process intensification |
| Sustainable Environmental Solutions | Precision agriculture, reduced food waste, low-carbon food production | Water purification, waste reduction technologies |
| Engineering Targeted Medicine | Drug manufacturing design, vaccine development, cancer immunotherapies | Pharmaceutical process engineering, therapeutic delivery systems |
| Flexible Manufacturing & Circular Economy | Green chemistry, distributed manufacturing, process intensification | Chemical recycling, modular manufacturing systems |
| Novel Materials Development | Advanced materials based on chemical synthesis and catalysis | Sustainable polymers, functional materials |
| Future Tools | Data science, AI, modeling and simulation, advanced sensors | Process optimization, predictive maintenance |
At AIChE, we recognize that solving these complex challenges requires more than just technical expertise—it demands diverse perspectives and an inclusive approach to engineering. That's why we've embraced IDEAL principles—Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, and Learning—as fundamental to attracting and retaining the best talent in our profession 1 .
The chemical engineers of tomorrow need to be adaptable lifelong learners. Our Institute for Learning & Innovation (ILI) provides cross-disciplinary, practical learning experiences that help engineers stay current in an increasingly technical society 1 .
This continuous learning isn't just about accumulating knowledge—it's about staying curious, proactive, and ready to reinvent ourselves throughout our careers as new technologies emerge and evolve 1 .
Climate change represents one of our most pressing global challenges, and AIChE has committed to taking a leadership role in protecting our environment for future generations 1 . Our updated Climate Change Policy Statement emphasizes our responsibility to "public health, public welfare, and the protection of the environment" in performing our professional duties 1 .
AIChE's commitment to protecting our environment through responsible engineering practices and sustainable solutions.
Addressing the needs of over 1.3 billion people without electricity access through sustainable energy solutions.
Simultaneously, we're addressing energy poverty—a challenge affecting over 1.3 billion people who lack access to electricity and more than 2.8 billion who rely on biomass for cooking 1 . Through initiatives like the Switch Energy Competition, which I've had the privilege of mentoring, we're engaging the next generation of engineers to develop sustainable energy solutions for all 1 .
These dual challenges of climate change and energy access represent exactly the kind of complex problems where chemical engineers can make a profound difference through systems analysis, sustainable process design, and innovative thinking 1 .
Some of the most important principles of chemical engineering can be demonstrated through simple, engaging experiments. AIChE's K-12 STEM Showcase features "magical" experiments that illustrate fundamental concepts 6 . Let's examine one such experiment that demonstrates mass transfer principles—a core chemical engineering concept.
To demonstrate how chemical engineers approach the separation of mixtures—a fundamental process in everything from pharmaceutical manufacturing to water purification.
We begin with a mixture of sand and salt—representing a common separation challenge in process engineering.
Applying basic chemical engineering principles, we design a two-stage separation process.
Measure the efficiency of separation by comparing recovered masses to initial inputs.
| Component | Initial Mass (g) | Recovered Mass (g) | Recovery Efficiency (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand | 50.0 | 48.5 | 97.0 |
| Salt | 25.0 | 23.8 | 95.2 |
| Total | 75.0 | 72.3 | 96.4 |
This simple experiment mirrors industrial-scale processes used in chemical engineering facilities worldwide. The same fundamental principles—exploiting differences in physical properties to separate mixtures—apply whether we're purifying pharmaceuticals, desalinating seawater, or recovering valuable materials in recycling processes. What makes chemical engineering distinctive is our focus on optimizing these processes for maximum efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Modern chemical engineers draw on an increasingly sophisticated set of tools and approaches. Here are some of the key resources in our research and development toolkit:
Examples: Process simulation software, molecular modeling
Functions: Predicting system behavior, optimizing processes without costly trial-and-error
Examples: Novel catalysts, functional materials
Functions: Enabling more efficient reactions, specialized applications
Examples: Chromatographs, spectrometers, sensors
Functions: Precise measurement of composition and properties
Examples: Modular systems, combined unit operations
Functions: Reducing equipment size, energy consumption, and cost
Examples: Machine learning algorithms, pattern recognition
Functions: Extracting insights from complex datasets, predictive modeling
Examples: Green chemistry metrics, life cycle assessment
Functions: Minimizing environmental impact, enhancing circularity
These tools represent just a sample of the resources modern chemical engineers use to develop solutions that are not only technically feasible but also economically viable and environmentally sustainable 4 .
As we look toward the future, I'm filled with tremendous optimism about what chemical engineers can accomplish.
We're entering an era where our skills in systems thinking, process optimization, and materials design will be more valuable than ever. The collaborations we're building through organizations like AIChE—with partners ranging from the Science History Institute to the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)—will amplify our impact across borders and disciplines 1 .
Solving challenges that transcend national boundaries
Working across disciplines for innovative solutions
Creating technologies that protect our planet
The future of chemical engineering isn't just about developing new technologies—it's about ensuring those technologies benefit all of humanity while protecting our planet. It's about inspiring the power of good that comes from applying engineering principles to society's most pressing needs 1 .
I encourage anyone passionate about making a difference to consider joining this vibrant profession. Whether you're a student exploring career options, an educator shaping future engineers, or a practicing engineer looking to expand your impact, there's a place for you in this essential work. Together, we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and technologically advanced future.