General Overview
Founded in the United States in 1908, AIChE is a professional association of more than 43,000 chemical engineers in over 90 countries. Its members work in corporations, universities and government using their knowledge of chemical processes to develop safe and useful products for the benefit of society.
Governed by volunteer leaders, the Institute serves its members by aiding their professional growth and fostering the dissemination of scientific knowledge through the development of award-winning publications and world-class conferences. AIChE is the incubator and ongoing supporter of three national, high-tech knowledge centers: the Society for Biological Engineering, the Center for Chemical Process Safety and the Institute for Sustainability.
Through its varied programs, AIChE continues to be a focal point for information exchange on the frontier of chemical engineering research in such areas as nanotechnology, sustainability, hydrogen fuels, biological and environmental engineering, and chemical plant safety and security.
AIChE’s Vision is to provide value as the global leader of the chemical engineering profession, serve as the lifetime center for professional and personal growth and security of chemical engineers, and lead as the foremost catalyst in applying chemical engineering expertise in meeting societal needs.
Structure:
The Board of Directors is charged with maintaining AIChE’s vitality. Elected by the members, from our membership, these dedicated professionals have backgrounds as varied as our industry. Elected officers include: president, president-elect, secretary, and treasurer.
Operating Councils lead the Institute’s efforts to realize the three elements of AIChE's vision.
Career and Education
Chemical Engineering Technology
Societal Impact
The Operating Councils work with the various entities that make up AIChE—divisions, forums, committees, local sections, student chapters, and more-- to assure that AIChE answers the needs of its members.
Technical Societies allow industry, academia and government representatives to collaborate and leverage resources for research, technology transfer and other activities. Currently more than 200 companies participate in three Industry Technology Alliances: the Society for Biological Engineering (SBE) and the Institute for Sustainability (IfS)Process Safety (CCPS), including Safety and Chemical Engineering Education (SAChE); Emergency Relief Systems (DIERS); Thermophysical Property Data, and Evaluation of Measurement (DIPPR)
110 Local Sections are local communities of AIChE members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, plus The Netherlands and Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Canada. Sections sponsor activities of interest to members in their particular area. They are the “grassroots” of AIChE.
18 Divisions and forums focus on the technical areas in which chemical engineers work, including fuels and petrochemicals, advanced materials, and biotechnology.
23 National Committees work to further the objectives of the Institute, both internally and through outreach efforts.
164 Student Chapters and Student Clubs on campuses in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Nigeria, and Hong Kong, offer undergraduates a chance to learn more about their chosen profession.