Chemical Engineering December 2010 - 5

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Blurring borders and the future
A
s the lines of demarcation separating scientific disciplines continue
to blur, increasing clarity arises for the recognition that the scientific
borderlands represent the fertile ground for future advancements. A
recent illustration of that concept emerged at a symposium last month in
New York, entitled " Research Frontiers in the Chemical Sciences. " Sponsored
by the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, the symposium
brought together recipients of the Dreyfus Foundation's Teacher-Scholar
awards in the chemical sciences for a networking event.
The impressive collection of young investigators at the symposium
presented posters on topics such as nanomaterials synthesis using microplasma
processes, microrheology of fluid interfaces, nanostructures
as heterogeneous catalysts, control of chemistry on nanoscale-pattered
surfaces and many more. While the projects presented at the symposium
were diverse enough to defy attempts to identify themes, topics
reflect an emphasis on the chemistry of biological systems, and a
focus on the behavior of nanoscale materials. The inventive research
projects reinforce the idea that modern research is increasingly and
irreversibly interdisciplinary.
The scientists at the symposium will shape the future of chemistry and
chemical engineering not only through the impact of their accomplishments
on forthcoming scientific and technological advancements, but also
by serving as mentors for young scientists, many of whom may join industrial
R&D teams to seek solutions to both current challenges and those
on the horizon.
One young chemical-engineering researcher I spoke with said the event
was a positive experience because of the exposure he received to trends
and thinking in areas outside his own research area. This idea of crosspollination
of scientific ideas is in keeping with the multidisciplinary nature
of cutting-edge chemical engineering and chemical R&D, but it also
has particular relevance for those who will be working in the chemical
process industries (CPI) for the coming decades. On page 15 of this issue,
you will find a story about the current employment landscape for chemical
engineers and other CPI professionals. Among the lessons that came
through in preparing the article is that overcoming the challenges of the
present will require contributions from those who can utilize insights and
approaches from one industrial sector to tackle challenges in a different
area or industry.
Doing so successfully necessitates the same kind of approach as that
needed for carrying out category-defying research. Working well as part of
a team, effective communication and an adaptive spirit are all predictors of
success in many CPI jobs of the future, whether in industry or academia.
A dynamic and fruitful future awaits chemical engineers who are tuned to
the places where their specialties intersect with other disciplines.
Although the symposium had a decidedly academic feel, the links between
research and industry seem to be on the minds of those steering
the Dreyfus Foundation. This mindset was made manifest by the topic
selected for another Dreyfus program: the biennial
Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences. The second
prize (Harvard University materials scientist George
Whitesides won the inaugural Dreyfus prize in 2009)
will be awarded in April 2011 to an individual who has
advanced the field of catalysis in a significant way. It's
a good bet that the accomplishments of the winner,
whether working in industry or academia, were benefited
by interdisciplinary thinking.
■
Scott Jenkins, associate editor
ChemiCal engineering www.Che.Com DeCember 2010 5
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Chemical Engineering December 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Chemical Engineering December 2010
