A new centre designed to bring chemists and chemical engineers together has been officially opened in Nottingham. The DICE (Driving Innovation in Chemistry and Engineering) project aims to promote collaboration between the two disciplines, which are often kept widely separated in UK universities.

The project was initiated in 2006 and has led to the appointment of five new members of staff at Nottingham, four of whom are joint appointees between the School of Chemistry and the School for Chemical and Environmental Engineering.

The project aims to lay the foundations for the next generation of chemical processing. By focusing on the concept of a 'Process Plant 2050', it hopes to inspire many scientists across the two disciplines to work together to see how they can contribute to this goal.

At the formal launch event in January, a commemorative plaque was unveiled by Sir Colin Campbell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, Ramesh Mashelkar, President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, and RSC President Jim Feast.

Another key function of the new centre will be to widen participation of young people in chemistry and engineering, celebrating the triumphs of both disciplines and improving public perceptions of chemistry and engineering though public engagement.