deSalSea Consortium Meeting Held at FTZ to Advance Sustainable Desalination Research
The Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ), Czech University of Life Sciences Prague(CZU), welcomed partners from the deSalSea Project for a consortium meeting held in Prague from 17–19 June 2026. The meeting took place at FTZ and brought together representatives from the University of the Basque Country (EHU), Donostia International Physics Center, Institut Européen des Membranes, and Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.
Titled "Novel Sustainable Forward-Osmosis Seawater Desalination Process,” the DeSalSea project focuses on the development of an integrated, energy-efficient forward-osmosis seawater desalination system. Built around biomimetic membranes and stimuli-responsive draw solutions derived from sustainable resources, the project aims to support clean water solutions with significantly reduced energy consumption, lower environmental impact, and minimal reliance on fossil-based materials.
The meeting offered an important opportunity for partners to exchange updates, reflect on progress, and align on the next stages of project implementation. Following an opening session hosted by BRT members representing CZU, and the project coordinator from EHU, the programme continued with partner presentations. These sessions focused on progress in relation to planned work, deliverables and milestones, technical insights, key challenges, and discussion among the consortium.
During the working sessions, each partner presented the progress achieved within their respective work packages, discussed completed milestones and upcoming deliverables, and addressed technical challenges. Looking ahead, particular attention was given to coordinating upcoming activities, including preparation of the forward osmosis testing unit and planning the next phase of experimental validation. The consortium also reviewed project management, reporting activities, dissemination plans, and agreed on responsibilities and timelines for the upcoming project period.
As the leader of WP 5, BRT/CZU presented the progress made in developing the project's sustainability assessment framework, including the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, and the partner data collection strategy that will support future environmental, economic, and social assessments of the deSalSea technology. The meeting provided an opportunity to align methodological approaches across partners and strengthen collaboration between the scientific teams.
The final day focused on strengthening collaboration through an introduction to the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague and its research infrastructure. Consortium members visited the BRT laboratories, explored the FTZ research facilities, including the Tropical Greenhouse, and learned more about the university's multidisciplinary research environment. The visit also included presentations of CZU's broader research capacities and discussions on future collaborative opportunities.
The consortium meeting concluded with clearly defined action points, coordinated timelines, and renewed commitment from all partners to the successful implementation of the project. By combining expertise in materials science, membrane engineering, process modelling, and sustainability assessment, the consortium continues to work towards innovative and environmentally sustainable forward osmosis solutions for future desalination technologies.
Explore the project website: HERE
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