European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE) president, Professor Richard Darton, has launched a major review of the federation’s future direction with a Europe wide electronic consultation that will run throughout January 2011.

Darton is determined to define a clear strategy and direction for EFCE, which represents more than 100,000 chemical and process engineers across the length and breadth of Europe, including Israel and Turkey. The views of process engineers in 40 member societies are being gathered via a short electronic questionnaire which examines attitudes and opinions on key topics including climate change, biotechnology, and professional ethics. The survey also explores future needs and expectations around training and international mobility.

“Europe has changed dramatically since EFCE was formed in 1953,” said Darton. “We have witnessed the treaties of Rome and Maastricht, the fall of the Iron Curtain, and a major expansion of the European Union, which now embraces 500 million inhabitants. At the same time, the technical landscape has changed, too. Population growth, climate change, globalization, and the pressing need for sustainable development presents new challenges for chemical engineers.

“It is essential that the organizations which qualify and represent chemical engineer maintain a strong understanding of the needs and expectations of their members. The findings of our survey will be used to help EFCE and its member societies prioritize and target activities in order to support chemical and process engineers in Europe.”

The survey, which is open to all chemical, biochemical, and process engineers in Europe, can be found here and will remain live until January 31, 2011.

The findings will be published in Brussels on March 31, 2011 and the President of the European Parliament, Professor Jerzey Buzek, has been invited to respond.