The GRC “Membranes: Materials and Processes” is an interdisciplinary and synergistic meeting that has gained significant international recognition, attracting leading experts on membranes and other related areas from around the world. The 2012 GRC will maintain the past tradition to include new and exciting aspects of material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, and computer simulation, with participants from academia, industry and national laboratories. This meeting will focus on cutting edge developments in membrane science for addressing several grand challenges facing our society, in particular related to energy, water, and health. Discussions will revolve around new membrane structures, new characterization techniques, the role of advanced membranes and membrane-based processes in sustainability/environment, membranes in water processes, and membranes for biological and life support applications.

As usual, the informal nature of the meeting, excellent quality of the oral presentations and posters, and ample opportunity to meet many outstanding colleagues make this an excellent conference for established scientists as well as for students. A Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on the weekend prior to the GRC meeting will provide young researchers an opportunity to present their work and network with outstanding experts. It will also be a warm-up for the conference participants to join and enjoy the main conference.