Translating Membrane Science into Real-World Impact

What does it take to translate membrane science into real-world impact?

Members of the SynHiSel programme team visited Cranfield University to learn more about its research activities and to tour facilities spanning laboratory-scale research through to pilot-scale testing.

It was a valuable opportunity to see how the fundamental membrane science being developed within the SynHiSel programme can be better connected to larger-scale testing, process integration and application-focused research.

One theme emerged repeatedly throughout the day: developing high-performance membranes is only part of the challenge. Successful implementation also depends on system design, pre-treatment, process integration, operational resilience and the realities of end-user adoption.

From discussions on energy-neutral wastewater treatment and membrane diagnostics to visits to facilities working with real wastewater streams, the importance of evaluating membrane technologies under realistic operating conditions was clear.

Visiting the HyPER (Clean Hydrogen Production by Enhanced Reforming) facility provided a useful reminder that advances in sustainable separations extend beyond membrane materials alone. Large-scale facilities such as HyPER highlight how separation technologies, process integration and carbon management can work together to support practical low-carbon solutions.

We also appreciated the opportunity to meet academics, PDRAs and PhD researchers, hear about their current research projects, and discuss shared challenges and opportunities across sustainable separations, water treatment and industrial applications.

Many thanks to our hosts at Cranfield University, especially Ewan Mcadam, for an informative and engaging visit.