Our History

From NanoMemPro to EMH

EMH was born out of a commitment to sustain and expand the partnerships and collaborative spirit fostered during a previous European initiative around membranes: NanoMemPro.  The goal of NanoMemPro project, which was prepared by Research Teams recognised as Centre of Excellence of 13 different European Countries was to support a strong action aiming to increase the coordination of research activities in membrane science and technology in Europe, i. e. to raise the level of education and training (at Master and PhD levels) in membrane science and engineering, to enlarge the collaboration of European membrane specialists with colleagues worldwide active in the same field and to elaborate a strategy for the membrane engineering knowledge transfer to the industrial world and particularly to SMEs.

 Our present & future

The sustainability of the successfull results based on the NanoMemPro activities was taken care of by the creation of a legal entity: the European Membrane House in 2008.  Led by Prof. Gilbert M. Rios from the European Membrane Institute (Montpellier, France), the EMH continued to embody the core mission of NanoMemPro :  promoting excellence in membrane research and technology. 

Since 2024, EMH is under the presidency of Prof. Marc Héran from the European Membrane Institute. The EMH is undergoing a period of reorganisation to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. With updated statutes and a renewed executive team, we are poised to continue our missions with broader focus on  diplomacy and  societal impacts. 

- EMH is an international Belgium non-profit making association -

Our purpose

At EMH, we strive to promote and enhance coordination of reseach activities in membrane science research, to foster collaboration among experts, and to build strong ties with the European industry, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.  

EMH also aims to act as a think tank for the development of new or promising concepts such as science diplomacy or nature-based solutions among others. 

Our focus spans diverse fields from health to environment, energy and transport in strong relation with UN SDG and UNESCO’s missions. 

Facilitating visibility and collaboration in membrane science and technology across Europe. 

Establishing strong interactions between researchers, industry, and end-users to address interdisciplinary challenges. 

Developing strategic communication action plans and its implementations among researchers and public. 

Our Projects: We have spearheaded and participated in numerous EU-funded projects from its coordination, facilitation or leading communication workpackages. 

EMH was involved in several research projects such as Membridge, Carena, Chemwater, Xeric, Romeo. Those projects focused on eco-efficient industrial methods, novel materials, sustainable chemistry, and advanced membrane applications in energy, water, and healthcare. 
 

Education & Training: EMH has played a pivotal role in developing educational programs such as the Erasmus Mundus Master in Membrane Engineering (EM3E) and the Erasmus Mundus Doctorate in Membrane Engineering (EUDIME). These programmes provide comprehensive training in membrane sciences, fostering the next generation of experts. 

Collaboration & Networking: Our involvement with EU platforms like WssTP (Water Supply and Sanitation Technology Platform), SusChem (Sustainable Chemistry), and Spire (Sustainable Process Industry through Resource and Energy Efficiency) underscored our commitment to collaborative innovation. We actively participated in and contributed to various European projects and initiatives, ensuring the integration and dissemination of cutting-edge membrane technologies.