Chemical engineering has undergone a remarkable transformation, expanding from its foundations in reaction engineering, separations, and process design to encompass sustainable energy, advanced materials, biotechnology, process intensification, circular economy systems, and AI-driven process systems engineering. This evolution is driven by both scientific breakthroughs and the urgent need for sustainable, resilient solutions to global challenges in energy, health, and the environment. The field’s interdisciplinary nature and rapid growth make it increasingly complex to identify the most critical barriers, unrealized opportunities, and bold ideas that could redefine the discipline. While most literature focuses on current research or retrospective reviews, there is a pressing need for forward-looking perspectives. This Research Topic offers a dedicated forum for visionary insights that will help shape the next generation of chemical engineering innovation.
Thought Leaders in Chemical Engineering aims to spotlight the voices shaping the future of the discipline. We have invited internationally recognized experts whose sustained contributions have influenced the trajectory of chemical engineering, alongside emerging researchers whose innovative ideas are poised to make a lasting impact. These contributors will share their visions for addressing fundamental challenges, exploiting untapped opportunities, and pioneering disruptive advances that could profoundly benefit society. This Research Topic will act as a strategic forum for speculative, forward-looking discussion—filling a gap in the literature between “now”-focused research articles and retrospective reviews. By mapping out the intellectual frontier of chemical engineering, we aim to inspire creative solutions, guide research investments, and spark debate within the global community. Our long-term goal is to build a living resource that captures the imagination of researchers, catalyzes collaboration across disciplines, and helps direct the field toward transformative breakthroughs.
This Research Topic welcomes contributions from established and emerging leaders in all areas of chemical engineering. We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles from across the field including but not limited to:
• Sustainable energy and process design • Advanced materials • Catalysis • Biotechnology • Process intensification • Systems engineering • Computational modeling.
Articles should present forward-looking perspectives on critical challenges, opportunities, and game-changing concepts that could reshape the field. Speculative and interdisciplinary ideas are encouraged, provided they are grounded in sound scientific reasoning. Through this curated collection, we aim to create a unique reference for researchers, innovators, and policymakers working to advance chemical engineering for societal benefit.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
Methods
Mini Review
Original Research
Perspective
Review
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
Methods
Mini Review
Original Research
Perspective
Review
Technology and Code
Keywords: Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Environmental Chemical Engineering, Unit Operations
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
