Folayan asks: ‘Who is coming next and are we doing enough?’

New IChemE president sets out agenda on skills, diversity and public engagement

NEW IChemE president Ollie Folayan has set out an ambitious agenda focused on future skills, diversity and public engagement, arguing that the profession must prepare now for the technological and societal changes ahead.

In his presidential address, delivered at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London, Folayan reflected on a career spanning power generation, refining, offshore oil and gas, carbon capture and emerging technologies. Looking ahead, he identified artificial intelligence, bio-integration, advanced materials, modular manufacturing and decarbonisation as key trends that will shape the future of chemical engineering.

But while technological change formed a major theme of the address, Folayan repeatedly returned to a broader question for the profession: “Who is coming next and are we doing enough to maximise their chances of success?”

He warned that chemical engineers could not afford to be passive as industries evolve.

“This is not something we can sit back and wait for,” he said, calling for a greater understanding of future skills requirements and workforce needs.

Long-term vision

As part of his presidential programme, Folayan plans to develop a long-term vision for the future of chemical engineering, supported by public enquiries across the UK, Australia and Malaysia. The initiative will explore emerging technologies, green skills, digitalisation and future workforce requirements, with findings intended to help inform curriculum development, accreditation and professional training pathways.

Diversity and inclusion will be another major focus of his presidency. Drawing on his experience as co-founder of the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK), Folayan highlighted the need to improve representation and retention across the profession.

He pointed to a continuing gap between diversity among engineering graduates and diversity within the engineering workforce, arguing that organisations must do more to support engineers from under-represented backgrounds throughout their careers.

“There is a crucial gap between representation at university level and in industry,” he said.

Folayan also stressed the importance of diversity of thought, culture and lived experience, arguing that inclusive environments help drive innovation and strengthen organisations.

Raising awareness

Alongside this work, he wants IChemE to play a larger role in public engagement. He noted that many of society’s biggest challenges – including energy security, sustainable food production and climate change – are rooted in chemical engineering principles, yet public understanding of the profession remains limited.

“I want us to get back to the roots of public enquiry,” he said, outlining plans for public-facing events, outreach activities and digital content designed to raise awareness of the profession’s contribution to society.

Folayan expressed optimism about the future, saying chemical engineers have “a vital role to play in the world”. His presidency, he said, will focus on ensuring the next generation is equipped with the skills, opportunities and support needed to succeed in a rapidly changing profession.