The Membrane Society of Australia (MSA) recently interviewed Associate Professor Jingwei Hou and Associate Professor Amir Razmjou, chairs of IMSTEC 2025, to discuss the significance of this flagship conference, emerging trends in membrane technology, and opportunities for researchers and industry professionals.

Held on the Gold Coast, Queensland, in December 2025, IMSTEC 2025 promises to be a pivotal event for the global membrane community. Below are key insights from the interview, offering a glimpse into the conference’s impact and the future of membrane science.

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"IMSTEC has a 20-year legacy of connecting Australian researchers with global leaders. He envisions IMSTEC 2025 as a catalyst for translating fundamental research into practical solutions, addressing global challenges in water treatment, resource recovery, and beyond," Jingwei Hou said.

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"IMSTEC 2025 is a flagship event for the MSA, marking one of the first major in-person gatherings post-COVID. It offers a unique platform for early-career researchers (ECRs) to network with senior scientists and industry experts, fostering mentorship and collaboration. The conference will showcase advancements in membrane applications, from traditional desalination to emerging fields like mineral processing and biomedical uses, driving sustainability and innovation," Amir Razmjou said.

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"The conference brings together researchers working on fundamental science and those focused on practical applications, creating a critical mass to explore interdisciplinary opportunities and drive innovation across diverse sectors," Jingwei Hou added.

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"Membrane research has evolved significantly over the past decade, shifting from pressure-driven processes like reverse osmosis for desalination to new applications in mineral recovery, selective membranes, and biomedical fields like drug delivery. IMSTEC 2025 will facilitate discussions on these emerging trends, leveraging knowledge from water treatment to accelerate sustainable practices in other industries," Amir Razmjou said.

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"The transition in membrane applications—from water treatment to gas separation, drug delivery, and mineral processing. He highlighted advances in materials like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites, which are opening new possibilities. IMSTEC 2025 will serve as a platform to showcase these innovations, bridging fundamental research with practical technologies," Jingwei Hou said.

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"The conference will highlight how knowledge from mature fields like desalination can be applied to emerging areas, enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental footprints in industries like mining and pharmaceuticals," Amir Razmjou said.

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"IMSTEC aligns academic research with industry priorities, such as cost and efficiency, enabling researchers to understand real-world needs and work together on impactful solutions," Jingwei Hou added.

"IMSTEC 2025 is a vital bridge between academia and industry, showcasing advanced materials like MOFs and zeolites for new applications. The conference attracts investors and industry partners interested in high-risk, high-reward technologies, fostering collaborations that turn research into scalable solutions for mining, pharmaceuticals, and food processing," Amir Razmjou said.

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"Conferences like IMSTEC helped him understand the broader research landscape and define his career. He emphasized that IMSTEC 2025 allows ECRs to build a career structure, meet global leaders, and avoid pursuing misaligned research directions," Jingwei Hou said about his own experience as an ECR.

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"IMSTEC 2025 is invaluable for ECRs, offering opportunities to build networks, secure mentorship, and gain visibility for funding or industry roles. By connecting with senior researchers and industry professionals, ECRs can learn about publishing in high-impact journals and explore career paths," Amir Razmjou said.

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"IMSTEC's established reputation as a premier platform for membrane science, its role in connecting Australian researchers with global leaders in water treatment, mineral processing, and renewable energy, and (3) Australia's position as a hub for membrane innovation despite its smaller population," Jingwei Hou said about three key reasons.

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"The conference features a diverse lineup of keynote speakers from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia, offering global perspectives. Held in the stunning Gold Coast in December, it combines scientific excellence with tourism appeal, making it an ideal venue for networking and collaboration," Amir Razmjou added.

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"Australia's unique position between East and West, facilitating technology transfer and collaboration. He encouraged attendees to engage with local researchers and industry leaders to shape the future of membrane technology," Jingwei Hou said.

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"Its role as a hub for building relationships, exchanging ideas, and exploring Australia's innovative membrane research. The Gold Coast's beautiful setting and proximity to East Asia make it accessible and appealing, with opportunities for industry investment in early-stage technologies," Amir Razmjou said to the global membrane community to join IMSTEC 2025.

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"IMSTEC as an iconic event for the global membrane community, fostering engagement with local and international researchers. He hopes to expand its reach, potentially to New Zealand, while maintaining its focus on collaboration and innovation," Jingwei Hou said.

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"IMSTEC accelerating the industrial adoption of membrane technologies in new sectors like pharmaceuticals and agriculture, increasing industry participation to drive sustainable solutions and cementing the conference's role as a catalyst for innovation," Amir Razmjou said.