New Approaches in Chemical Engineering and Education

This study explores the definition, brief history, development trajectory, societal duties, and contributions to technological developments of chemical science and chemical engineering. It also explores their current status in Turkey and globally, their professional formation, and their working principles. Subsequently, current chemical engineering education provided at universities in Turkey and abroad was examined, and the data obtained was classified and analysed. Curricular innovation trends highlight the strengthening of experimental and practical learning, interdisciplinary integration, the use of digital tools, project-based learning, environmental sustainability and ethics, and educator development and career awareness. Product design and engineering are emerging as the most important emerging concepts in chemical engineering. In this context, molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics simulation, computer-aided molecular design modelling, mathematical fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling, continuum models, and mesoscale models have attracted attention. It is expected that new multidisciplinary approaches will be developed by integrating technical disciplines such as biology, environmental chemistry, and nuclear chemistry into chemical engineering education, integrating the humanities and social sciences. The evolution of artificial intelligence over the next decade will have tremendous impact not only on the types of problems chemical engineers can solve, but also on how they will do so. It is also recommended that data science and statistics be most effectively taught as a separate course integrated into the core curriculum, with a special emphasis on chemistry and engineering. Research investments are focused on fundamental chemical engineering research and materials development applications, accelerating the transition to a low-carbon energy system, improving the sustainability of food production, water management, and manufacturing, and increasing access to healthcare. Furthermore, it is recommended that new methods be explored to enable the delivery of basic sciences, engineering, and supporting subject areas of the curriculum across the entire academic continuum.