Time jump: Imagine yourself a century ago. The seeds of chemical engineering innovation were just being sown here at the Chemical Engineering Faculty.
Let’s explore the captivating history of the Chemical Engineering Faculty in Athens. It stands as a beacon of scientific advancement. The Chemical Engineering Faculty is integral to Greece’s technological evolution.
The National Technical University of Athens founded the Chemical Engineering Faculty. It happened in 1837. Initially, a pharmacist to King Otto taught “Chemistry of the Arts”. This took place in a Sunday School. Chemistry became a mandatory course. Engineering Drawing, Mathematics, and Mechanics were taught together. Technicians received further education here. Chemistry wasn’t just theory. It illustrated subjects relevant to professionals. It was Applied Chemistry.
An organized Chemistry Laboratory emerged after an 1863 educational restructuring. In the 1870s, the School of Arts was a Secondary Technical Level School. Chemistry was taught in the fourth year. This applied to Mechanics, Architecture, and Land Surveying.
The School of Industrial Arts was founded in 1887. Schools of Civil Engineering, Mechanics, and Land Surveyors were established. Chemistry was taught in the freshman year.
The countdown to founding the School of Chemical Engineering began in 1914. Law 388 of 1914 created the School of Foremen of the Chemical and Metallurgical Industries. It was attached to the School of Mechanical Engineering.
Elefth. Venizelos’ government modified Law 388/1914 in 1917. Law 980 founded the Schools of Chemical Engineering, Architecture, and Land Surveying. The Etnikon Metsovion Polytechnion aimed to educate scientists. It provided advanced technical knowledge. It comprised the existing School of Civil Engineering. The School of Mechanical Engineering transformed. It became the School of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. The new schools were Architecture, Chemical Engineering, and Land Surveying.
The Chemical Engineering Faculty began operating in the 1918-1919 school year. New laboratories were created during 1917-18.
In 1946, Law 1021 split the School of Chemical Engineering into three departments. Each had a 5-year program. These were Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Metallurgy.
Until 1947, the School lacked sufficient space. A decision was made to construct its own building. The School moved here in 1954.
The 1950s and 60s brought changes in teaching and research. Mathematics was gradually introduced. Courses like Transport Phenomena and Chemical Reactor Design were taught. Unit Operations were also included. The Chemical Engineering Faculty became nationally and internationally known. It transformed into a modern school. Research activity grew dramatically. Doctoral theses increased from one before 1950 to 16 between 1950 and 1960.
A Presidential Decree split the Chemical Engineering Faculty in October 1975. It created the School of Chemical Engineering and the School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering.
Framework Law 1268 of 1982 brought substantial changes. The concept of the Chair was abolished. The School became the Department of Chemical Engineering. It had four sections: Chemical Sciences, Process Analysis and Plant Design, Materials Science and Engineering, Synthesis and Development of Industrial Processes.
The Chemical Engineering Faculty continues to evolve. It introduces new courses. It intensifies research activities. These include basic and applied research. They materialize through theses and research programs.
Student numbers increased from 10 per year in the 1940s to 160 in the 1990s. Increased needs led to relocation from the Downtown campus to the Zographos campus.
Recent developments include five undergraduate specializations. These are Design, Materials, Organic Industries, Inorganic Industries, and Food-Biotechnology.
In 2002-2003, the Department of Chemical Engineering was renamed the School of Chemical Engineering.
As you stand before the Chemical Engineering Faculty, remember its rich history. From humble beginnings to a modern institution, it continues to shape Greece’s future.