Chemical separations — which are used to divide chemical mixtures into their distinct elements — are critical in providing many of the foods and services needed to maintain our quality of life. Without separations, access to such necessities as chemicals, medicines, clean water, safe food, and energy sources would not be possible. Despite their integral role in many industrial processes, chemical separations are not always considered during product development — an inattention that results in chemical processes that are inefficient or have adverse effects.

A Research Agenda for Transforming Separation Science, a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, says that greater focus on separation science is needed to overcome those issues and ultimately to improve human health, to reduce the adverse effects of industrial activities, and to develop a sustainable chemical enterprise that can drive the economy. The report recommends research directions that can advance separation science and help to achieve those goals.

The report is available for immediate release. Reporters can obtain copies by contacting the Office of News and Public Information at tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail news@nas.edu, or by downloading a PDF from the National Academies Press.