Process engineering focuses on the design, operation, control, optimization and intensification of chemical, physical, and biological processes. Process engineering encompasses a vast range of industries, such as chemical, petrochemical, agriculture, mineral processing, advanced material, food, pharmaceutical, software development and biotechnological industries.

Manufacturing engineering’s primary focus, on the other hand, is to turn raw materials into a new or updated products that are suitable for the smart economy in the most economic, efficient and effective way possible. To achieve this, we are now entering a new era of digital manufacturing where we bring together,

1. Virtual Industrialisation, focusing on adaptive data analytics and optimisation for smart manufacturing; end-to-end supply chains and predictive modelling of manufacturing.
2. Cyber-Physical Manufacturing Systems, focusing on connected infrastructures, machines & software systems; data, information, knowledge integration, security and technology adoption; and semantic interoperability and data analytics for production.
3. Self-Aware Manufacturing Systems, focusing on advanced sensors, controls and robotics to add intelligence, efficiency and safety to machines and production systems.

These key interrelated research themes will enable industry to manufacture smart products by smart machines, integrated through smart production systems, all underpinned by smart supply chains, and address the key industrial drivers of competitiveness and sustainability.