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Expansion and strategic enhancement of an international membrane engineering research consortium

Membrane engineering is one of the leading research areas at Kobe University. Achieving carbon neutrality requires game-changing membrane technologies—such as ultra-energy-efficient separation systems—that transcend incremental performance improvements. As one of Japan’s few comprehensive research hubs in this field, we develop innovative membranes through co-creative research to address global challenges and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7) and Climate Action (Goal 13).

Our international research consortium currently has academic agreements with 19 institutions across Asia, Australia, the United States, and Europe (as of March 2026). Leveraging this extensive network, we accelerate high-impact outcomes through joint research projects, international symposia and faculty and student exchange programs.

A cornerstone of these efforts is the annual International Workshop on Membrane in Kobe (iWMK). Since its launch in 2014, iWMK has evolved from a forum for information exchange into a strategic platform to initiate international research projects and promote the mobility of young researchers. These activities have led to a steady increase in co-authored publications with international partners. Moving forward, we will continue to utilize this research center as a strategic base to further deepen global collaboration and drive internationally competitive membrane research initiatives.