Frontiers and Interfaces of Ion Exchange

Lehigh University, Bethlehem PA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract International Travel Grant: CTS-0621659 PROJECT SUMMARY An international workshop entitled "Frontiers and Interfaces of Ion Exchange" is scheduled to be held in Antalya, Turkey during June 11-15, 2006. The workshop addresses the field of ion exchange-- is a broadly applicable science that relates to catalysis, drug delivery, sensors, bioseparation, membranes, ore beneficiation, metallurgy, food purification, polymer synthesis, inorganic materials, biorenewable energy, water treatment, environmental processes, nanotechnology and several others. The primary thrust of the workshop is to serve as a vibrant inter-disciplinary platform for sharing new knowledge in the field of ion exchange by bringing together researchers and professionals from diverse areas of science and engineering. Seven invited speakers have been identified from U.S. academic institutions as invited speakers/discussers for the workshop. The travel grant provides partial financial support for the travel, lodging and registration of the seven invited U.S. speakers. Intellectual Merit The workshop will bring together researchers from academic institutions and industries, graduate students and postdoctoral scientists, and provocative scholars, in a setting that will promote cross-fertilization of ideas, thereby enriching seemingly disjointed professional areas. More specifically, the cross-disciplinary workshop will help: (1.) Provide the most recent developments and breakthroughs in diverse areas related to ion exchange; (2). Identify scientific hurdles in different areas and allow collective participation for their solution. Broader Impacts Knowledge acquired by researchers from their counterparts in other areas may provide necessary tools leading to innovation or discoveries in their own areas. For example, the mechanism of controlled drug delivery in the area of medicine may well be incorporated after necessary modification for nutrient delivery for environmental remediation of hazardous waste sites. Post doctoral and graduate students will be appropriately exposed to other disciplines, thus offering them opportunities to move into other professional areas. It is also likely that the university professors will be inspired to teach cross-disciplinary courses in their own academic institutions. Specific industry-academic research opportunities are also likely to evolve from the workshop. The 1414 program will provide $4,000, and the 1415 program will provide $3,000 to support this workshop all in FY 2006.