Chemical engineers for the 21st century - A challenge to university education

The education of chemical engineers at the dawn of the 21st Century faces e normous challenges. The number of new students has dropped significantly si nce early 1990s. Globalisation is having an effect on the working environme nt of the engineering profession and changing the job market for process en gineers whose activities now extend far beyond the chemical industry. As a result, universities and engineering schools now face increasing competitio n for students and scientific staff and for retention of degree programs an d departments. This article throws light on the current situation of the un iversities, changes in working environment and conditions, and the demands placed on future chemical engineers and their education. Whatever changes m ay occur, e.g. through the introduction of Bachelor and Master degrees, the characteristic and proven profiles of engineering school and university tr aining must be maintained while enhancing the conditions for good graduates .