Mem-Fast Membranes as Enablers for Future Biorefineries: from Fabrication to Advanced Separation Technologies

The doctoral network "Mem-Fast" - Membranes as Enablers for Future Biorefineries: from Fabrication to Advanced Separation

Technologies - aims to educate 11 future professionals (one UKRI subsidised), who have the needed understanding to facilitate the utilisation of

membranes in the growing biorefining industry. The research and training activities implemented in the Mem-Fast network form a

"first of its kind" novel and unique doctoral training program. This reflects changing research priorities and emerging disciplines

related to improving biorefinery processes to grow the Circular Economy. The network structures training at the European level in

beneficiaries (CNR-ITM, LUT, LU, ULANC, UMK, UNL, UT) and associated partners (Alfa Laval, Aquaporin, Fibenol, Deltamem, Domsjö,

B4C asp, MemBrain, NX Filtration, RAIZ-Navigator, UNICAL, UPM) across 11 countries giving the doctoral students a highly applied

understanding on both membrane manufacturing and membrane processes and biorefinery processes that are critical to the future

of EU's chemical sector and circular economy. The individual projects of the doctoral candidates aim to push forward the use of

membranes in biorefineries through the development of advanced membranes, novel tools for monitoring and controlling of fouling

and novel continuous processes for simultaneous bioconversion and recovery of products. The network program leads to a new

approach to training for the sector and will provide a first cohort of highly skilled future research leaders and managers by combining

this network knowledge. Furthermore, it creates a basis for a European doctoral education focused on membranes in biorefineries that will be continued in the future