Engineering can’t solve global challenges if it fails to reflect the society it serves. If the sector is dominated by one group, there’s inevitably going to be an imbalance – through no fault of the individual engineers. For International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), Professor Raffaella Ocone, the new President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), explains why the profession must embrace greater inclusion, ethical responsibility and social engagement.
With over 30 years of experience in chemical engineering and a longstanding passion for values-driven leadership, I believe it is essential to champion the profession by mentoring emerging engineers, partnering with universities and supporting career development. This involves engaging members through Special Interest Groups and contributing to the academic journals to promote transparency and uphold high ethical standards. Through these IChemE initiatives, this is something I will continue to encourage during my presidency.
At my inauguration on 11th June 2025, as the 84th President of IChemE, I presented a vision for the organisation and the wider industry. Equity is central to this, informed by my 30-plus years in the field and a steadfast commitment to diversity, ethics and excellence. We’re being bold, but the plan is clear and steady: first, attract fresh talent through targeted outreach via DiscoverChemEng and partnerships with universities. This should go alongside supporting and retaining existing talent with our mentoring programmes, accessible training and international networks which have been a benefit to me, personally.
Second, build public trust by positioning IChemE as a trusted advisor to government, for example, recent Parliamentary roundtables on sustainability and policy influence. Third is embedding ethics deeply, guided by IChemE’s adoption of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Statement of Ethical Principles and enforcement of its own Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics so that ethical thinking underpins every aspect of engineering education and decision‑making.
My own story is a testament to the importance of visibility and opportunity. From being a student in my native Italy to becoming the first female professor of chemical engineering in Scotland, you could argue I am living proof of what is possible when barriers are broken down.
But my story, sadly, also highlights how rare an example I am. Despite ongoing efforts, engineering remains one of the least gender-diverse professions in the UK. Fewer than 16 per cent of engineers in the UK are women, and in chemical engineering, the figure is only slightly higher at 22 per cent. This shows there is still much work to do to increase diversity and equality in the sector.
Tackling this imbalance starts with changing perceptions. Engineering is too often seen through a narrow lens, as too technical, mechanical and male-dominated. But the reality is far broader. As I mentioned in my first address as President of IChemE, engineering is about systems thinking and creating sustainable solutions that benefit people and the planet. Whether it’s advancing hydrogen technologies, developing cleaner manufacturing methods, or ensuring access to safe water, engineers are problem-solvers working at the intersection of science, society and ethics.
That message, however, isn’t reaching enough young people. IChemE and other institutions aim to do more to show what engineers do and why it matters. This includes working with schools, producing accessible public content and promoting diverse role models.
IChemE has supported me throughout my career, offering not only access to knowledge but a strong sense of community.
But visibility alone isn’t enough, I believe ethics and social responsibility must form the very backbone of modern engineering. It’s not simply a matter of signing a code of conduct; it’s about embodying high standards and fully acknowledging the societal consequences of our work, and anticipating any unwanted consequences. In my own research on hydrogen production from biomass, I’ve focused not only on technical feasibility but also on the real-world implications of deploying such technologies at scale.
Engineering decisions have far-reaching effects. Whether we’re employing AI tools, constructing infrastructure, or rolling out new energy systems, we must critically assess risk, responsibility and long-term impact. Embedding ethical thinking into education, leadership and daily practice is essential. Only by doing so can we ensure innovation benefits communities, safeguards public safety and protects our environment.
In my Presidential Address, I outlined a clear timeline for this ethical transformation: by the end of 2025, we hope to see an increase of ethical reasoning into the curriculum, with an increase in ethics provision across IChemE-accredited degree programmes. In 2026, leadership workshops focused on real-world ethical dilemmas will be rolled out for industry partners and throughout 2027, an Ethics in Practice journal series will be launched to share case studies and best practices across sectors. This isn’t merely aspirational, it’s a roadmap to ensure ethics are lived, not just written, with equality factored into this.
This holistic view of engineering as both a technical and ethical pursuit is essential for addressing global challenges. The 2025–2028 IChemE strategy, which will be a huge focus of mine, is built around the theme of engineering a sustainable world. It commits to supporting a vibrant and thriving profession while also serving society through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Crucially, it aligns the work of chemical engineers with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, from clean energy and industry to health and climate action.
As part of this strategy, our focus should be on improving communication between chemical engineers of all levels and our institution. I want IChemE to be a global platform where chemical engineers feel heard and supported, whether through Special Interest Groups, regional networks or direct engagement. This two-way dialogue is vital to keeping the profession agile, connected, and aligned with the needs of society. This is not just something applicable to our own organisation, but other member organisations out there to address the crucial challenges we face today.
INWED provides a moment to spotlight women engineers, but the real goal is lasting, systemic change. Achieving this means tackling structural barriers and widening access to education and training, including non-traditional pathways such as apprenticeships and T-Level related degrees. Socio-economic factors can preclude many young people from pursuing engineering, and it’s crucial to ensure these routes are both accessible and valued. Once women and individuals from underrepresented groups enter the profession, they must be supported to stay and thrive. Diverse teams – not just in terms of gender, but also socio-economic background – bring a richer range of perspectives and are better equipped to address today’s complex, global challenges.
To achieve these goals, collaboration is key. Government, industry and professional bodies must work together to create an environment where engineering careers are visible, valued and viable. This includes funding for applied research, incentives for companies to support diversity and better alignment between academia and industry.
Many engineering students are trained in purely academic settings, with little exposure to commercial thinking or the role of policy in shaping engineering outcomes. Bridging this gap through placements, mentoring and community building is essential to developing well-rounded engineers who are prepared to lead and influence policy effectively.
Importantly, this work extends far beyond the UK. As a global profession, engineering thrives on international collaboration to promote equality, share good practices and address challenges that transcend borders. This aligns closely with the theme of International Women in Engineering Day, which celebrates the power of diversity and cooperation worldwide.
My own career, spanning Italy, the US, France, Germany and the UK, highlights the tremendous value of international exchange in fostering inclusive progress. Under my leadership, IChemE will continue to champion global partnerships that empower engineers everywhere and drive equality across all regions.
Engineering is a profession that builds the future. But who gets to build that future, and how they do it, are questions we must ask and answer with urgency. INWED is not just a celebration, it is a call to action. If we are serious about creating a more sustainable, ethical and inclusive world, then engineering must reflect those values from the inside out.
Throughout my presidency, and beyond, my message is clear: engineering must become more open, more self-aware, and more attuned to the needs of society. That requires vision, but also structure, support and sustained effort.
The good news is that much of this work is already underway. Using IChemE as an example, we are committed to supporting our members, shaping public policy, and aligning engineering practice with global goals. But there is more to do, and more voices needed at the table.
We need engineers who are ready to challenge convention, lead with integrity, and work across disciplines and cultures. We need institutions that are agile and accountable. And we need to make sure that the doors to engineering are wide open to the next generation of thinkers and leaders.
This INWED, let us celebrate the progress made but let us also recommit to the work ahead. Because engineering the future requires everyone. Explore more about Professor Raffaella Ocone’s upcoming presidency and the progressive work of IChemE here.
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