Dear Members of IIChE,

It gives me immense pleasure to communicate with the members of the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) and share some of the significant developments and achievements of our Institute.

Remembering the Founder – Dr. H. L. Roy

As we approach the 137th birth anniversary of our revered founder, Dr. Hira Lal Roy (2 November 1889), I pay my humble tributes to this visionary pioneer who laid the foundation for Chemical Engineering education and professional development in India. His foresight, dedication and commitment to the advancement of the profession culminated in the establishment of the IIChE at Jadavpur University, Kolkata, on 18 May 1947.

From its humble beginning with just 30 members, IIChE has grown into a nationally recognized professional institution, bringing together academicians, researchers, practising engineers, industrial leaders and students. Dr. Roy's vision continues to inspire generations of chemical engineers. On this special occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to his ideals and carry forward his legacy by strengthening the profession through knowledge, innovation, professional ethics and service to society.

SCHEMCON 2026 – Inspiring the Next Generation of Chemical Engineers

I am delighted to share the remarkable success of SCHEMCON 2026, the 22nd Annual Session of the Students' Chemical Engineering Congress, held on 11 and 12 September 2026 at the MIT Academy of Engineering, Alandi, Pune, in association with the IIChE Pune Regional Centre.

Organized around the theme ‘Chemical Engineering: A Pathway to Viksit Bharat’, SCHEMCON 2026 provided an excellent national platform for students, research scholars, faculty members and industry professionals to exchange ideas, showcase innovations and explore emerging opportunities in chemical engineering.

The conference witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 450 abstracts and 700 individual registrations from across the country. The academic programme featured over 240 oral presentations across 24 sessions and 60 poster presentations across two sessions.

The inaugural function was graced by Padma Vibhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma, whose inspiring address encouraged young engineers to pursue excellence, think boldly and contribute meaningfully to nation-building. The conference also featured distinguished keynote addresses, an interactive panel discussion involving six industry leaders, industry expert sessions by Henkel Technologies and S-Cube Mass Transfer Limited, and an industry exhibition that strengthened academia–industry interaction.

The second day further enriched the participants through an Aspen HYSYS hands-on workshop, a DAAD orientation session on higher education and research opportunities in Germany, and the Industry Defined Problem Statement (IDPS) competition supported by Aspen Technology and Novorbis Itus. The M. P. Chary Award and various paper, poster and IDPS awards recognized the outstanding technical contributions of young participants. A total of 14 main prizes and 26 consolation prizes were presented, making the event a memorable celebration of young talents, innovation and academic excellence.

I sincerely congratulate the MIT Academy of Engineering, the IIChE Pune Regional Centre, the organizing committee, faculty members, student volunteers, industry partners and all participants for making SCHEMCON 2026 a grand success. My special appreciation goes to the students, whose enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity represent the future strength of our profession.

SCHEMCON must continue to serve as a powerful bridge between classroom learning, research innovation and industrial practice, while nurturing the next generation of responsible and competent chemical engineers.

Invitation to CHEMCON 2026 – Mumbai

As we celebrate the success of SCHEMCON 2026, I am equally delighted to extend a warm and cordial invitation to every member of IIChE, academicians, researchers, industry professionals, students and international delegates to participate in CHEMCON 2026, the 79th Annual Session of the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers, scheduled to be held from 27–30 December 2026 in Mumbai.

Organized by the IIChE Mumbai Regional Centre and hosted by the Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, this flagship national convention will bring together distinguished experts, thought leaders, researchers, industrialists and young professionals from India and abroad.

The central theme of CHEMCON 2026, ‘Chemical Engineering Frontiers for Viksit Bharat: Clean Energy, Green Chemicals and Circular Economy’, is particularly relevant to the technological, environmental and economic priorities of our nation.

The technical programme will provide an excellent platform for deliberations on emerging frontiers, including:

• Advanced Reaction Engineering and Catalysis.
• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation in Chemical Engineering.
• Green Engineering, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development.
• Hydrogen Technologies and Net-Zero Solutions.
• Carbon Capture, Utilization and Circular Economy.
• Advanced Materials, Polymers and Nanotechnology.
• Novel Separation and Membrane Technologies.
• Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals and Food Process Engineering.
• Process Systems Engineering, Automation and Industrial Safety.
• Environmental Engineering and Wastewater Management.

The convention will feature plenary lectures, invited technical talks, oral and poster presentations, panel discussions, industrial interactions and exhibitions. These activities will facilitate meaningful exchanges of knowledge and provide opportunities for new research collaborations and industry partnerships.

An important highlight of CHEMCON 2026 will be the Dhirubhai Ambani Commemoration Day on 28 December 2026, celebrating the extraordinary contribution of the late Shri Dhirubhai Ambani to Indian industry, entrepreneurship and national economic development.

I am confident that the academic excellence and rich industrial experience associated with ICT Mumbai, combined with the organizational strength of the Mumbai Regional Centre, will make CHEMCON 2026 an outstanding national and international event.

I earnestly invite all our members, particularly our young members and student community, to register and participate in large numbers. Let us make this convention a vibrant meeting ground for innovative ideas, technological advancement, professional networking and collaborative partnerships.

Moving Forward Together

As IIChE continues its journey of professional excellence, we must collectively focus on strengthening our Regional Centres and Student Chapters, promoting industry–academia collaboration, encouraging interdisciplinary research, nurturing entrepreneurship and attracting talented young minds to Chemical Engineering.

The profession is undergoing a profound transformation driven by artificial intelligence, digital technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, clean energy and sustainability. We must proactively equip our members and students with the knowledge, competencies and innovative mindset required to address these emerging challenges.

I sincerely acknowledge the dedicated efforts of our National Council members, Regional Centre Chairmen and office-bearers, Student Chapter coordinators, faculty members, industry partners and volunteers. Their commitment and collective contribution are the driving forces behind the continued growth and vibrancy of our Institute.

Let us move forward with renewed enthusiasm, unity and a shared vision. Together, we can strengthen IIChE as a premier professional institution and make Chemical Engineering a powerful instrument of innovation, industrial progress and sustainable national development.

With my warm greetings and best wishes to all members, I look forward to meeting you at CHEMCON 2026 in Mumbai.

Prof. C. Karthikeyan

President-2026

Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers, Kolkata, India