Dear IIChE Members,
Chemical engineering has experienced remarkable growth over the years, propelled by technological advancements, increasing industrialization, and a global commitment to sustainability. Initially centered on large-scale chemical production, the discipline has broadened into various fields such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, environmental engineering, and materials science, among others. As the demand for clean energy, efficient manufacturing processes, and environmentally friendly products rises, chemical engineers are essential in addressing real-world challenges.
The early 20th century saw the formal establishment of chemical engineering, marked by the introduction of the unit operations concept by pioneers such as Arthur D. Little and William H. Walker. By the mid-20th century, the discipline had expanded through advancements in process engineering, scale-up techniques, catalysis, and process control, facilitating efficient industrial production. Recent advancements in chemical engineering indicate a significant transition towards sustainability, digital innovation, and the use of advanced materials. Nevertheless, challenges continue to exist, as critics point out the energy demands and restricted scalability of "advanced recycling" technologies. In the realm of process innovation, generative AI and deep reinforcement learning are revolutionizing design tasks and flowsheet optimization, facilitating more efficient decision-making in chemical processes. Environmental issues are still a primary focus, with initiatives aimed at tackling harmful "forever chemicals" and regulations advocating for safer practices.
The Kochi Regional Centre of IIChE, originally established as the Trichur Regional Centre, has consistently been at the forefront of sharing information regarding the latest advancements in chemical engineering with its members and the student community since its establishment in 1976. Over the past fifty years, the Centre has experienced significant growth. It is with great pride that I acknowledge the contributions made by the leaders of the Centre during the Golden Jubilee Celebrations.
With best wishes,
Prof. (Dr). G. Madhu
Chairman, IIChe - Kochi
