Digital Technologies are Transforming Lives and Work

Alexandra Meldrum discusses IChemE’s Digitalisation project

I first heard about IChemE at a university barbeque. Drawn to the sausage sizzle, my friends and I signed up as IChemE members.

Seems like much has changed since then. We are now more likely to meet through a screen. 

Digital technologies have helped us to maintain our society, work and friendships throughout the challenges of physical distancing in a pandemic. In some ways, a shared challenge seems to have brought the world closer. I’m grateful for the digital technologies that make this possible. Even before the pandemic, our profession was facing transformation. We are in a technology revolution and the changes are everywhere.

The application of new digital technologies is changing our society, economy and politics. Organisations, government and education are impacted by the development of digital technologies that are impacting roles, processes and organisations.

Even before the pandemic, our profession was facing transformation. We are in a technology revolution and the changes are everywhere

The impact on all of us in chemical engineering

Digital technologies are impacting how we do work and what we work on. This change affects all of us as chemical, biochemical and process engineers.

As digital technologies are applied, they transform the areas where we work. We can innovate, exploit opportunities, and solve new problems. We’ll also face challenges.

I’m excited that chemical engineers take a central role in tackling the Global Grand Challenges for our society - including food, water, energy and health.