MemBrain s.r.o. was a scientific partner of the MELPRO conference, organized by the Czech Membrane Platform, o.s., in cooperation with the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., on 18–21 May 2014.

This event was focused on membrane and electro-membrane processes. The basic vision of the conference was maximum interconnection of the academic and industrial spheres, with emphasis on integrated membrane processes, whose application potential is significantly higher than that of individual membrane processes. Much space was devoted to up-to-date knowledge from research and development, as well as particular industrial applications of electro-membrane separations. Special attention was paid to the presentation of works from students and young scientists.

MELPRO 2014 – poděkování sponzorům a partnerům

“We managed to compile a very interesting programme and attract world-class experts in electro-membrane processes from the academic and industrial spheres. The lectures clearly showed that the importance of membrane and electro-membrane processes is growing continually and the future is in the integration of individual technologies and processes. We will continue in this trend in 2016 when the Czech Membrane Platform will organize the PERMEA and MELPRO conference,” said about the conference the Vice-Chairman of its scientific committee, General Manager of the company MEGA a.s. and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Czech Membrane Platform.

MELPRO 2014 – registrace účastníků

The conference was participated by 120 experts from 16 countries who gave 40 lectures and presented 50 posters concerning its topics. The main agenda of the conference was supplemented by side events, such as social evening, student competition, presentation stalls of industrial partners and excursion to the production facilities of the company MEGA a.s. and to the newly built Membrane Innovation Centre in Stráž pod Ralskem.

Among lecturers were top experts in the membrane field. The conference started with an initial plenary lecture by prof. Bart Van der Bruggen (European Membrane Society, University of Leuven, Belgium), entitled Electrodialysis with Bipolar Membranes: Potential and Pitfalls. Other plenary lecturers were Enrico Drioli (University of Calabria, Italy), Viktor Nikonenko (Membrane Institute, Kuban State University, Russia) and Bernard Mack (VEOLIA Water Solution & Technologies, USA). The conference included a student competition, in which the expert commission evaluated the best student projects. In the best poster category, Maryam Haddad (Montreal, Canada) was awarded the first prize, and in the best lecture category Ekaterina Belashova (Montpellier, France). Awards were also won by young representatives of the Czech Republic, Ing. Jan Kroupa (University of Pardubice) and Ondřej Dlask (Technical University in Liberec).

MELPRO 2014 – společná fotografie účastníků

The MELPRO conference will continue in future. In 2016, it will be a part of the conference of the Visegrád Group countries – PERMEA, which will take place on 15–19 May 2016 in the Czech Republic. Detailed information will be published on www.melpro.cz and www.czemp.cz.