Improving quality of life demands the supply of increasing amounts of energy and consumer chemicals, whilst at the same time global warming has become a major cause for concern. Our Energy research theme addresses the challenges of introducing the hydrogen economy to replace the current reliance on carbon-based fuels.

Fuel cells, hydrogen generation, storage and use are being investigated. The production of chemicals such as pharmaceuticals, vitamins, personal and household products is the traditional business of the chemical industry, but new challenges are being addressed to manufacture such products more efficiently.

The challenges are to:

• Create, test and optimise the technologies for generating, storing and using hydrogen, nationally, regionally and locally
• Demonstrate that these technologies are environmentally, socially and economically acceptable
• Establish Birmingham (the city, its industries and universities) as the leading centre for hydrogen energy research and development in the UK

Our research, which is supported by EPSRC, the European Commission, industry and Advantage West Midlands, is carried out jointly with the Schools of Biosciences and Economics and other parts of Engineering in Birmingham, and with the University of Warwick. It includes development of:

• Economic hydrogen production and processing techniques
• Viable hydrogen storage solutions
• Manufacturing routes to robust, high-performance fuel cells

An important feature of our work is that it is multidisciplinary, incorporating the socio-economic aspects of the technologies investigated, which are key to their acceptance.

We take a 'whole systems approach' to applied research, including collaborative development of innovative technology demonstrators (biological hydrogen generation and processing, integrated fuel cell-based combined heat and power systems, hydrogen fuelled transport). We place emphasis on knowledge transfer and public understanding of hydrogen energy.

Novel production routes using catalysis or supercritical fluids, reduction of waste by-products, and control of product formulation are some of the key challenges which are being addressed within the Chemical Industries theme.

Related links

School of Chemical Engineering

Our mission is to carry out research of the highest academic quality, which is novel, challenging and relevant to users.

Our strengths are in design and characterisation of microstructured products, and in heat and mass transfer, fluid flow, particle technology and materials engineering across chemical, biological and physical systems. We collaborate with world-class industry, and with leading edge engineering and science departments nationally and internationally.

Research centres

The Centre for Formulation Engineering

The Centre's mission is to carry out research of the highest academic quality, which is novel, challenging and relevant to users. Particular strengths are in design and characterisation of microstructured products, and in heat and mass transfer, fluid flow, particle technology and materials engineering across chemical, biological and physical systems. We collaborate with world-class industry, and with leading edge engineering and science departments nationally and internationally.

Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Materials Processing - IRC

The primary objective of the research programme in the Interdisciplinary Research Centre (IRC) is the development of materials, through materials processing and of manufacturing technologies so that the properties of the materials are fully exploited. Close interaction with industry is an essential part of this philosophy. The programmes that are in operation with industry vary from long term projects to short term problem-solving.

University Careers Network

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.

If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.

Contact us

• Sophie Miller - Careers consultant (s.a.miller@bham.ac.uk)
• Richard Newman- Careers consultant (r.j.newman@bham.ac.uk)
• Caroline Egan - Careers adviser (c.egan@bham.ac.uk)
• Brendan Bacon - Internship officer (b.bacon@bham.ac.uk)
• Carl Jukes - Applications support adviser (c.jukes@bham.ac.uk)

Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) 2010/11 (postgraduate taught graduates)

The DLHE survey is conducted 6 months after graduation.

Range of Employers for Birmingham's Chemical Engineering Graduates

• Bristol Myers Squibb
• Cadbury
• Dairy Crest Group plc
• ExxonMobil Group
• Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd
• Johnson Matthey
• Procter & Gamble
• Rolls-Royce plc
• Unilever plc
• University of Birmingham

Range of Occupations for Birmingham's Chemical Engineering Graduates

• Biochemical Engineer
• Chemical Engineer
• Environmental Health Officer
• Lecturer
• Process Engineer
• Product Development Engineer
• Production Engineer
• Research Assistant
• Research Engineer
• Research Fellow

Range of Courses of Further Study for Birmingham's Chemical Engineering Graduates:

• MRes Chemical Engineering Science
• MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering
• MSc Biochemical Engineering
• MSc Chemical Engineering
• PhD Chemical Engineering
• PhD Formulation Engineering
• PhD Regenerative Medicine

Visit the Careers section of the University website for further information.