Membranet

The MEMBRANET Network is made up of researchers and professors from 12 groups, 8 universities and 3 research centers, whose purpose is to seek synergies of multidisciplinary knowledge among its research groups that will allow the development and dissemination of knowledge of innovative and efficient membranes and their related technologies for water treatment. Its mission will be to create a common space to effectively and visibly coordinate, promote and boost actions of research, development and technological exchange, cooperation and scientific collaboration.

General Activities

MEMBRANET will carry out 6 activities in two years, focused on 4 key actions for the training of qualified personnel and technology transfer: i)- Membrane engineering and membrane modules (sustainable manufacturing and recycling of membranes); ii)- Membrane fouling phenomena, autopsies and optimization of water treatment processes; iii)- Development of design tools and integration of membrane technologies and renewable energies; iv)- Development of practices for zero discharge of pollutants into the environment and valorization of by-products. In this sense, the Network will facilitate and offer an environment of shared resources and infrastructures; will explore and stimulate the development of collaborative and multidisciplinary projects; will promote research through the organization of meeting activities (forums, meetings, seminars); will spread the advances and knowledge of the Network (website, social networks, videos); will strengthen relationships with industries in the water and membrane sectors to promote industrial implementation; will enhance the ability to attract new talent to strengthen the Network’s groups; will bring together Spanish experts in membrane technology to improve Spanish visibility and promote its representation in international conferences, congresses and societies; will interact more closely with other networks; and will involve society to delve into its needs and to confront possible existing social barriers to their implementation through Living Labs.

Expected results

The MEMBRANET Network will have an important impact not only at a scientific-technical level, since new research and innovation capabilities will emerge through collaborations between the Network’s research groups; but also at a social and economic level, since the contributions of the Network are framed within 4 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda (United Nations), which seek to achieve a balance in economic and environmental development.