The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institution of Chemical Engineers echoed the main messages conveyed in a new report from the Chemistry Growth Strategy Group.
Commenting on Strategy for Delivering Chemistry-Fuelled Growth of the UK Economy, Dr Robert Parker, chief executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry said that chemistry-based industries and chemistry research in companies and on campuses comprise a vital facet of Britain's efforts to regain its economic momentum and to challenge world competitors.
Throughout this year, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institution of Chemical Engineers, Society of Chemical Industry, Chemical Industries Association and Chemistry Innovation Knowledge Transfer Network have been campaigning together to underline the tremendous contribution that the chemical sciences make to the economy.
The Strategy for Growth report highlights the need for competitive energy sources. The report, in particular, mentions shale gas, a developing source of fuel; if the UK adopts fracking to access shale gas, chemical scientists and engineers will need to play a central role in its production and in monitoring any environmental impact.
The report also puts the spotlight on the need for an innovative environment, and also the need to ensure a continuing supply of highly-skilled chemical scientists, including those with vocational, graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
