Calgary, Alberta. October 2023. The weather was frigid outdoors, there was ice on the windowsills and snow on the ground from a big storm the week prior, but the warmth and energy inside of the TELUS Convention Centre during the inaugural day of the CSChE 2023 conference could have melted all of the snow away.
Calgary is my hometown and I was very pleased that more than 1,000 chemical engineers decided to brave the cold weather from Oct 29 to Nov 1. What better way to spend Halloween than with like-minded individuals discussing the latest trends and cutting-edge research under the theme “Transitions: Materials, Energy, and the Environment”?
The program was, once again, outstanding and I was wowed by the array of topics and the diversity of perspectives. Among the many highlights were the keynote lectures, which were illuminating and inspired innovative thinking among attendees. Ms. Jackie Forrest, Executive Director of the ARC Energy Research Institute, was up first and she discussed the future of oil and gas demand, the range of possible scenarios, as well as the implications for energy markets, climate, and jobs. Dr. Gerald Fuller, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Stanford University, took to the stage on day 2 and focused on live cell rheometry applied to human health. Last but not least, was Dr. João Soares, Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta, and Editor in chief of the Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering (CJCE). He explained how polymer reaction engineering combines the fundamentals of chemical reaction engineering, polymer chemistry, and materials science to help us make polymers with tailor-made properties.
There was a lot on offer for early career scientists who, in addition to poster sessions, paper competitions, and a student breakfast and fireside chat sponsored by DuPont and Enerflex, were also able to attend a tour of Exergy Solutions X-LABS, our fabulous Student Banquet and an Early Career Publishing Workshop hosted by our colleagues at CJCE.
Another highlight of CSChE 2023 was the prestigious awards ceremony and reception, where outstanding scientists were celebrated for their contributions to the field. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: “We are in good hands.” The spirit of recognition and achievement was captured in photos that can be viewed here.
The exhibition floor was busy and vibrant, with more than 10 exhibitors in attendance. The Graduate Studies & Career Fair was sold out, a testament to the growing prominence of the conference and its appeal with the field of chemical engineering.
I’d like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the organizing committee for their dedication, to the National Team staff for their professionalism, to our sponsors and exhibitors for their support and to the many volunteers for their invaluable contributions. Their collective dedication made CSChE 2023 an undeniable success.
And as we conclude CSChE 2023, plans are already on the way for the next conference. I look forward to seeing you all at CSChE 2024 in Toronto from October 6 – 9, when we’ll gather under the theme “Chemical Engineering: Addressing Grand Challenges”.
Stay up to date with developments via CIC News or by visiting the CSChE 2024 conference website.
I look forward to reconvening at CSChE 2024, where the spirit of collaboration and innovation in the field of chemical engineering will continue to flourish.