Dear InterPore colleagues,

Many of you have been or will be travelling to Qingdao, China, this weekend for InterPore2024. Travelling tips, program updates and more can be found in today’s InterPore2024 section.

In addition to the joy of science and collaborations, the election of a colleague into the National Academy of Engineering, chapter meetings, talks, etc., this week, we also pay homage to Professor De Marsily who, unfortunately, recently passed away. The shoulders we build on. Majid Hassanizadeh wrote a eulogy.

I wish all of you who visit InterPore2024 a very fruitful and enjoyable conference, both scientifically and socially!

All the best,

Matthijs de Winter
Editor-in-Chief
InterPore News

In Memoriam: Prof. de Marsily

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Ghislain de Marsily, a distinguished member of the French Academy of Sciences and a leading figure in the field of hydrology.

Professor de Marsily’s career at the University of Paris was marked by groundbreaking contributions to groundwater flow simulation. His work spanned a diverse range of subjects, from geostatistics to inverse modeling, with a particular focus on upscaling methods. His pioneering research not only advanced the scientific understanding of groundwater systems but also provided practical solutions to real-world challenges.

As a revered educator, Professor de Marsily mentored and inspired hundreds of researchers and engineers, guiding them with his deep knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for the field. His lasting impact is reflected in the achievements of his students, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions of their own.

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor de Marsily received numerous accolades in recognition of his contributions to hydrology, including an InterPore Time Capsule, which celebrated his extensive career and enduring influence.

Beyond his scientific accomplishments, Professor de Marsily was known for his warmth, humility, and generous spirit. His breadth of knowledge and tireless work ethic were admired by colleagues and students alike. The legacy he leaves behind is one of dedication, curiosity, and a commitment to the betterment of the scientific community.

We will miss his wisdom, his guidance, and his kindness. The impact of his work will continue to resonate, and his memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Text: Majid Hassanizadegh

Oral presenters, who have not yet uploaded their presentations, can do so via this link.

Detailed program

The detailed program is available to view in Whova. Any changes in the schedule will be reflected in Whova. Presenters are reminded to verify their presentation times on the program as presentation times are subject to minor changes.

SAC / LOC activities

The Student Affairs Committee (SAC), together with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) student representatives, has curated a suite of activities to make your experience at InterPore2024 both memorable and professionally rewarding. Mark your calendars for these must-attend events on Tuesday and Thursday:

🏆 Spotlight on Excellence: Student Awards at InterPore2024

As you prepare to join us for the enriching lineup of events, we’re thrilled to announce two prestigious awards for students that could be your gateway to recognition and accomplishment:

MDPI Student Poster Award
Nominate yourself for the [MDPI Energies Student Poster Award]Show off your research prowess with a visually compelling poster and take the chance to win one of two 500€ MDPI Student Poster Awards. Stand out from the crowd with your poster and the way you present, and you could be celebrating with a prize that’s not just monetary, but a testament to your hard work.

Invited Student Paper Award by InterPore Journal
Presenting at InterPore2024 also puts you in the running for the prestigious Invited Student Paper Award. Select presenters will earn the chance to submit an invited paper to InterPore Journal, gaining not just visibility but a mark of distinction for their academic portfolio.

Visit us at the Conference!

With the conference just around the corner, we’re happy to extend a warm invitation to visit us at Booth #2 in the exhibition area. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about InterPore, including the Foundation, the Academy, the Journal, and our diverse National Chapters. Drop by during breaks for a friendly chat and to stay updated on our latest activities. Plus, you can get your very own copy of the very first issue InterPore Journal while you’re there!

Whether you’re craving information or simply eager to connect, we’re looking forward to seeing you!

Tips for China

For those of you who will be attending the Conference in Qingdao next week, we look very much forward to seeing you! And in case you have not yet started your journey (or are currently en route), here are some tips for a hopefully stress free arrival!

First, you have wonderful weather to look forward to! Sunny and 25°C during the day. More weather updates can be found from Weather China or from Time and Date.

In terms of getting around, Google Maps will not work (unless you are using a VPN). Apple Maps however does work. Non-iPhone users however should download maps for offline use, one option for doing so is here.

China SIM Cards can be purchased at Qingdao Jiaodong Airport. Please make sure to have some Yuans on hand as foreign credit cards are often not accepted. If it is not possible to bring any Yuans with you, then it would be best to withdraw some cash at the ATMs located in the airport when you arrive. Alternatively, there is a bank with a proper ATM just a 5-minute walking distance away from the Shangri La Hotel.

You may also want to consider linking your credit card to one of China’s widely adopted mobile payment platforms such as WeChat and Alipay as a lot of places in China, including taxis, do not accept credit cards. The following tutorials can teach you how to link your bank card to WeChat pay or Alipay. – Introduction videos for Alipay and WeChat.

For help with the Chinese language, you can try using one of the following translators: DeepL, Microsoft Translator, or U Dictionary Translator. Please note that the following apps will not work in China: Google (incl. Chrome, Maps, Translate), WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, Skype and some other software. Bing can instead be used as a browser.

Conference courses

There is still time to register for one of the following Friday Conference Courses at InterPore2024!

Multiphase Flow in Permeable Media: A Pore-Scale Perspective – Martin Blunt (Imperial College London) – full day, €150

Introduction to powder metallurgically manufactured porous materials – Olaf Andersen (Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM) – half day, €75

Advances in CO2 Sequestration in Reactive Basaltic Rocks through Mineral Carbonation – Helge Hellevang, Mohammad Nooraiepour & Mohammad Masoudi (University of Oslo) – half day, €75

If you are interested in registering for one of these courses on Friday, 17 May, please contact Margaret Dieter.

Sponsor Highlight

Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark is a 150-year-old company that has consistently brought technical innovations to market to meet essential consumer needs and deliver Better Care for a Better World. We invented fundamental product categories such as paper towels, toilet paper on a roll, facial tissue, feminine pads and toddler training pants. These are enabled by unique technical breakthroughs rooted in robust research programs around materials science, life sciences, high-speed manufacturing processes and product development.

Many of our products manage various liquids and interact with skin and surfaces. The core function of the products is enabled by highly engineered porous media, whether it is to pick up or dispense liquid, or sometimes even prevent liquid absorption. These porous media tend to be thin and change considerably during liquid absorption, and both of these elements pose significant challenges – and opportunities – to understand, design and build top-performing materials. Sustainability is at the heart of our research strategy, and we look for specific materials, compositions and manufacturing methods that minimize our environmental footprint. The above inform our research agenda.

For more information visit our website.

Exhibitor Spotlight

Suzhou Niumag

Suzhou Niumag focuses on the development and application of “time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance” technology. It has strong independent research and development capabilities, excellent production and service levels and a complete and mature operating system. It is a national high-tech enterprise.

After more than ten years of development, Niumag has independently developed a variety of time-domain NMR instruments to break the monopoly of imported equipment. We have been successfully applied in the fields of energy, geotechnical, food and agriculture, life sciences, materials, and education.

Guangzhou Gumiho Photoelectric Technology Co.

A high-tech enterprise engaged in the development, integration, technical services and sales of the optical and optoelectronics industry, with a number of patented technologies and a number of professionals, deep in the field of optical and optoelectronics industry.

Gumiho is a leading supplier of optical solutions in the areas of life sciences, materials research and QA/QC, and manufactures optical sensor systems for integrated process analysis.

Main products: microscope

Jiangsu Tuochuang Scientific Instrument Co., Ltd.

Jiangsu Tuochuang Scientific Instrument Co., Ltd. was founded in May 2013, located in Haian Economic and Technological Development Zone, and was rated as “Jiangsu Province specialized and special new small and medium-sized enterprises” and “Jiangsu Province High-tech Enterprises”. At present, there are two production plants and a headquarters experimental building, covering a total area of about 32,000 square meters, of which the construction area is about 30,000 square meters, more than 150 employees, the annual production of various kinds of scientific experimental instruments about 700 sets, the annual sales of more than 150 million yuan. With a strong independent research and development capability, excellent production service level and a complete and mature operation system, with self-operated import and export rights. The company focuses on the research and development and promotion of energy and chemical experimental equipment, geotechnical experimental equipment, life science equipment and non-standard pressure vessel equipment.

Top Sponsors for InterPore2024

Congrats to Prof. Guadagnini for election to NAE

A long-standing supporter of InterPore, Alberto Guadagnini, Professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Vice Rector for Research at the Politecnico di Milano, has been elected to the US-based National Academy of Engineering for making advances in stochastic hydrogeology and contaminant transport in subsurface aquifers leading to improved water supply and quality. The election to National Academy of Engineering membership is one of the highest professional honors accorded an engineer, and we like to express our warmest congratulations to Prof. Guadagnini.

Kimberly-Clark Distinguished Lecturer report

Prof. Ruben Juanes, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, is the Kimberly-Clark Distinguished Lecturer of 2024, he continues to present his lectures in universities and organisations all over the world.

His most recent lectures took place in the California Institute of Technology (USA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain), University of Minnesota (USA) and Kimberly-Clark Corporation (USA).

His next scheduled presentations are: Princeton University, USA (2 June), University of Rennes, France (18 June), Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse, France (20 June), McMaster University, Canada (26 September). He is also in the process of scheduling visits to several universities in Europe in the winter.

InterPore YouTube Channel

Have you checked out our YouTube channel lately? If not, then please do as we have a new Time Capsule Video featuring Professor emeritus Dick Bedeaux and Professor emerita Signe Kjelstrup, who are interviewed by Professor Alex Hansen, all at PoreLab – Centre of Excellence (SFF), Department of Physics (Hansen) and Department of Chemistry (Bedeaux and Kjelstrup), the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Bedeaux and Kjelstrup are presently active members of PoreLab. They have both served as Principal Investigators since the start of the Center, where Hansen is the director. In this video, both scientists discuss their childhoods, how they got into science, and the development of their career.

Chapter News

7th UK InterPore Chapter Meeting

The 7th Interpore UK Chapter Meeting will take place 9-10 September 2024 at the University of Manchester. The theme will be advances in imaging, characterization, and modelling of porous materials to energy transition.

Visit the meeting website for more details and to register!

Abstract submission can be found here.

Special Issue on Phase Change in Porous Media

A new special issue for the journal “Advances in Water Resources” is planned and will be accepting papers up until 1 April 2025. This special issue is titled “Phase Change in Porous Media” and contributions should be original research, technical advances or integrative reviews, all of which should focus on multi-scale studies of phase change in porous media. For more information, please visit their website

1st EPoMM

18-19 September 2024, University of Bath, Bath, UK We welcome you to the historic and picturesque city of Bath, for the 1st Conference on Engineering Porous Materials at Multiple Scales (EPoMM), which aims to bring together researchers from across the diverse field of porous materials and foster collaboration across their many applications and length-scales of study. The ultimate aim is to promote the cross-fertilisation of ideas, methodologies, and potential applications, while showcasing the numerous advances in fields related to renewable energy, gas-separation processes, catalysis, water purification, electronics, and healthcare and others.

Presentation and poster applications are welcome until 30 June – more information on sending us an abstract may be found on the website.

InterPore Journal

Have you checked out the InterPore Journal yet? If not, you can view the current issue here. We also invite you to consider submitting your next work to the InterPore Journal. Your participation and support are crucial to the success of this society journal and our collective advancement in porous media science and technology.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our community!

InterPore Members, do you want to promote your publication to the community? If so, please submit your highlight to newsletter@InterPore.org. Note that we will not review the entries nor does InterPore endorse the published work. Furthermore, we publish on a “submitted first, published first” basis. The highlighted publication should be no older than 6 months (available online).

The highlight should be short (500 characters) and contain an illustration. Please note that we offer this opportunity exclusively to InterPore members. If you would like to become a member, please have a look here.

PhD

• PhD position on Hydrogen isotope separation experiments. Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Leipzig, Germany

If you have a job opening in your institute and would like to promote it internationally, please send the description and weblink or PDF to newsletter@interpore.org, and we’ll be happy to add it to the list. It is also possible to post the position on the InterPore website. Log in through MyInterPore and click “Submit A Job Opening.”