Spreading the word (about chemical engineering)

The current situation regarding falling undergraduate admissions to chemical engineering departments in the UK is analyzed with reference to the structure of secondary education. A collaboration is proposed between departments of chemical engineering, local schools, and industry for introducing the concepts of chemical engineering to school-aged children. The proposed scheme integrates a design exercise within the teaching of organic chemistry and is aimed at increasing awareness of the discipline and ultimately increasing the number of admissions to university departments. The proposal is intended for widespread application both within the UK and elsewhere.