Congratulations, Prof. Nunes! What does it mean to you to receive the title of Honorary Member of the EMS?

It is a great honor. This distinction is reserved for a select group of scientists whom I deeply admire. Some of them have inspired me from the beginning of my career and were my role models.

Could you share what inspired you to dedicate yourself to membrane science?

My fascination with chemistry began at a young age, attracted by the magic of transformation and creation of materials. I attended a specialized high school dedicated to chemistry with labs and theory that are usually taught at the university. Continuing chemistry at the university, polymers attracted me because they were different and more complex than all I had learned before and at the same time I could directly see the industrial application. Complexity and challenges attract me, and I chose to work on polymer physical chemistry during my master under the supervision of Fernando Galembeck, who is one of the most prominent chemists in Brazil. He offered me a project on membrane development. In the first week of master, he brought me to the lecture of Ilya Prigogine, a Nobel Prize for his contribution to nonequilibrium thermodynamics and supermolecular order. This was a special experience and intensified my interest in related topics.  Irreversible thermodynamics coupling different driving forces for transport in membranes became the topic of my PhD. During that time, I was particularly inspired by the work of Norman Li and Heiner Strathmann on membrane development and of Katchalsky and Ora Kedem on irreversible thermodynamics. They were my first heroes in membrane science. Besides chemistry, I have a passion for photography and working with electron microscopy naturally attracted me. Porous materials and membranes are excellent objects of inspiration for a photographer. In summary, membrane science gave me the chance to combine all I like: chemistry, materials sciences, thermodynamics and photography.

What message would you like to share with young researchers starting their careers in membrane science?

Membrane technology can offer solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as ensuring sustainable access to resources, reducing energy consumption and the carbon footprint of the chemical and petrochemical industries, purifying pharmaceutical products, ensuring access to clean water, and driving innovation in biomedical devices.  However, what may seem straightforward at a first glance can be deceiving. Membrane science is an interdisciplinary field. It has unique opportunities but also risks. To make a meaningful impact it is crucial to critically identify and address the right questions understanding the broader context in which they arise. The access to information online today is enormous.  Take advantage of it, learn and analyze it critically.   Innovation requires deep expertise in your specific area of focus, while setting alliances with experts in complementary fields.  Don’t be “kidnapped by hypes”.  Be honest with yourself and maintain integrity in your work and relationship with scientific collaborators and competitors.

What are your next goals in the field of membrane science?

My group has primarily focused on developing new materials and controlling morphology. I have worked on fuel cells and CO₂ separation in Germany. At KAUST, I have shifted the focus to water-based separations, dehumidification, green solvents and nanofiltration of organic solvents. Currently, my co-workers are exploring the translation of selected membranes with high selectivity for ions and neutral molecules in water. Looking ahead, from a research perspective, my main interest is in the development of scalable, selective and stable nanofiltration membranes for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. I believe this is an area where membrane could have a much higher impact if better membranes will be available. While it requires overcoming substantial challenges, it also offers a great opportunity for chemists like me to collaborate with experts from other fields to advance the technology.

How do you see the role of the EMS in promoting membrane science and technology?

EMS has a very special role in promoting membrane science and technology in different forms. I would highlight some. First the EMS Summer School has provided fundamental knowledge in membrane science to generations of students and young scientists.  The impact extends beyond education. It fosters a network of young scientists that may turn into valuable partnerships throughout their career.  It also gives them the opportunity of interacting and learning from senior scientists that can become their mentors and role models. Second, events like Euromembrane, organized or supported by EMS, bring together enthusiastic scientists to celebrate achievements and exchange ideas. These forums facilitate sharing information and building new contacts. A third, though less immediately visible but very important is the representative role in environmental and political discussions. By engaging with influential bodies such as the European Commission, EMS leaders can highlight the importance of membrane science in addressing global challenges.  Examples of past initiatives that brought different membrane groups together are large EU-funded networks (e. g. Nanomempro), educational Erasmus Master and PhD programs and Marie Curie training initiatives.

All three mentioned roles are important and should continue but maybe EMS could be more proactive in promoting membrane science to a broader scientific community and in platforms focused on environment and sustainability, particularly with the participation of policymakers. We should highlight even more that membrane technology offers solutions for a variety of challenges beyond the traditional applications. It is essential to communicate this more widely. Enrico Drioli had an instrumental role in promoting membrane technology through all these avenues. His efforts are a testament to the impact EMS can have. However, he was not alone. EMS has always benefited from strong leadership, including influential women in the field. I am confident that EMS will continue to grow in importance, expanding the visibility and relevance of membranes to a broader audience. I would be glad to contribute.

Do you have a particular memory related to the EMS that you’d like to share?

I have many memories associated with the EMS. It is difficult to choose one. My first involvement with EMS was at a conference co-organized by Enrico Drioli and Claudio Habert, a leading Brazilian membrane scientist, in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, which led to opportunities of collaborations between European and Brazilian colleagues. Klaus-Viktor (Peinemann), who was EMS President, introduced me to many EMS colleagues. We attended many EMS conferences and co-organized workshops together. I remember funny moments that go beyond science, like having dinner with fantastic pioneers in our field like Sydney Loeb and Miriam Balaban, during a conference in Barga, Tuscany, with Sydney playing with my 4-year-old son transforming a napkin into a rabbit. However, what I consider my personal most significant contribution in the EMS council and a particularly memorable experience was the series of Marie Curie summer schools that we organized over 5 years in various European countries. These schools trained many young scientists, and I believe they contributed to shape the future of a generation of membrane experts who are now active in the field. It is rewarding for me to have played a leading role in that initiative.

One last question: what emotions do you feel about being recognized as an Honorary Member?

When Elena (Tocci)  told me that I would be named Honorary Member, it was a deeply emotional moment. I had not expected. It took me by surprise. I have great admiration for the distinguished group of honorary members and knowing that I’m now part of them makes the recognition very close to my heart.