Engineers Week, February 22–28, is a national celebration led by DiscoverE that highlights how engineers shape the world around us. For chemical engineers, it's a moment to recognize the impact of our work, from safer processes and sustainable systems to the technologies that power modern life, and to inspire those considering a future in the profession.
As the global professional home for chemical engineers, AIChE strengthens the community that makes that impact possible. Engineers Week is not only a time to celebrate achievement, but also an opportunity to reinforce the connections and expertise that enable chemical engineers to create that impact worldwide.
How to celebrate Engineers Week
1. Share the impact
Highlight projects, innovations, or career journeys that demonstrate how chemical engineers solve real-world problems. Use #EWeek2026 and #AIChEweek to join the national and professional conversation.
2. Engage future engineers
Volunteer in a classroom. Mentor a student. Share your path into the profession. Engineers Week is one of the most effective ways to inspire young people about STEM careers. Through AIChE’s K-12 initiatives, members and educators have access to tools and activities that make engineering concepts tangible and inspiring.
3. Recognize your teams
Use this week to acknowledge the engineers in your organization whose work often happens behind the scenes but drives measurable results.
4. Invest in professional growth
Professional development isn't just beneficial. It's a meaningful way to honor the profession itself. This Engineers Week, AIChE divisions and local sections are hosting live webinars that showcase the breadth of chemical engineering expertise.
Engineers Week live webinars
All sessions are free and open to the broader engineering community.
- Fuels & Petrochemicals Division: "Distillation Tray Cleaning Strategy Avoids Major Outage"
Tuesday, February 24 at 12:00 PM ET
Presented by Daryl Hanson, Valero Energy
When gradual fouling reduced plant capacity at a Valero refinery, the conventional approach would have meant shutting down the unit for cleaning. Instead, Valero pioneered an on-line cleaning method using specialized equipment and multiple hot-taps to restore tower capacity while the unit continued running. This case study demonstrates how innovative problem-solving can minimize cost and maintain operations while addressing critical performance issues.
- Catalysis & Reaction Engineering Division: "An Introduction to Programmable Chemical Manufacturing"
Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 PM ET
Presented by Paul Dauenhauer, University of Minnesota
Programmable catalysts represent a fundamental shift in heterogeneous catalysis. By changing surface structure and electronic state on the time scale of surface reactions, these catalysts can achieve reaction rates orders of magnitude faster than conventional approaches, with extreme selectivity and non-equilibrium conversion capabilities. This presentation explores how programmable manufacturing could revolutionize chemical and materials production.
- Virtual Local Section: "Organic-Mineral Interactions at the Molecular Level"
Wednesday, February 25 at 9:00 PM ET
Presented by James D. Kubicki, University of Texas at El Paso
Interactions between natural organic matter and mineral surfaces are critical to understanding global carbon cycling, climate change, and soil quality. This presentation explores how organic-inorganic interfaces impact agricultural productivity and environmental resilience, with particular focus on how mineraloids in soils slow organic carbon turnover rates. The session brings molecular-level understanding to environmental chemistry and soil science.
- Education Division: "Bringing Chemical Engineering to Life: Scalable K-12 Outreach Activities for Engineers Week"
Thursday, February 26 at 4:00 PM ET
Panel featuring educators and industry professionals from the AIChE K-12 Outreach Committee
This interactive panel showcases practical, engaging outreach activities rooted in chemical engineering principles. Panelists will demonstrate hands-on activities including edible alginate spheres for teaching polymers, Bernoulli equation demonstrations using everyday items, and process safety introductions for young learners. The session is designed for student chapters, faculty advisors, parents, and industry professionals seeking ready-to-use tools that inspire curiosity about chemical engineering.
Beyond this week
Engineers Week may only last a few days, but the work continues year-round. AIChE remains committed to connecting chemical engineers through a global professional community, advancing safe and responsible practice, and equipping engineers with the knowledge and resources for lifelong learning.
Use this week to celebrate the profession and stay connected to the community that supports it every day of the year.
