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News Release from: IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers)
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial Team on 28 January 2008

Chemical engineering success for UK
Universities

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Universities in the UK are celebrating a record intake of chemical engineering undergraduate students, following the publication of the UCAS 2007 admission figures

1455 new students have chosen to study chemical engineering at UK universities, a rise of 11.5% since 2006, and 55% since 2001 Dr David Brown, Chief Executive at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) whilst welcoming the news, warned that the growth could only be sustained through increased Government and industry support: "The figures prove that more young people are recognizing what a worthwhile and rewarding career a chemical engineering degree can support

Chemical Engineers will play a key role in finding solutions to the problems of global warming and climate change and further growth in student numbers mustn't be restricted by full capacity on courses.

We've reached the stage where the expansion of existing chemical engineering departments and the development of new departments require serious consideration.

This can only be implemented through the financial support from Government and industry" Brown warned.

Senior figures within UK Chemical Engineering education have offered several explanations for the growth: Professor Jonathan Seville, Head of Chemical Engineering at Birmingham University said: "In the last few years we have seen a concerted effort by departments, IChemE and committed individuals to project the image of the subject as widely and as excitingly as possible.

This has made the difference between simply recovering a bit and the really strong recovery we are now seeing".

Head of Chemical Engineering at Strathclyde University, Dr Carl Schaschke said: "The upturn in interest in chemical engineering nationally is a reflection of the changing role and unique skills of the chemical engineer.

Now, more than at any time in the past, chemical engineers can be found central to meeting the societal needs of energy provision, health care and tackling head-on crucial environmental issues that affect everyone".

Earlier this year, Lord David Sainsbury, former Government Science and Innovation Minister praised the IChemE whynotchemeng careers initiative, designed to show youngsters the benefits of a career in chemical engineering: "The campaign shows exactly what can be achieved when energetic young engineers and scientists fly the flag for their profession.

The scientists and engineers of tomorrow will be responsible for finding solutions to many of the problems facing our planet.

I passionately believe that the process industries have a key role to play in our transition to a more sustainable society" he added.

The biggest chemical engineering intake prior to this year was in 1994, when 1437 students chose to study the subject at UK universities.

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