Menachem Elimelech, the Sterling Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at Yale, has been awarded the Connecticut Medal of Technology, the state’s highest honor for technological achievement.
The award was announced by the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE). Elimelech, who is on the faculty of the Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science, was recognized for his pioneering developments of energy-efficient, sustainable membrane-based technologies for desalination, and the management of brines and industrial wastewaters.
He is a leading international authority who has transformed the field of environmental engineering, particularly in these areas.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said Elimelech’s work illustrates the state’s role as a global technology leader. “Dr. Elimelech’s pioneering research has not only enriched the academic community’s understanding of a highly complex topic, but also led to innovative approaches to addressing critical environmental issues and spawned the growth of an industry,” he said.
The honor also reflects both Elimelech’s broadly international scientific reputation as well as his commitment to the betterment of the world, said Yale Engineering Dean Jeffrey Brock.
“Yale Engineering has long made finding solutions to major environmental challenges a key part of its mission,” Brock said. “Professor Elichem’s work is a critical step toward ensuring that people across the globe will have access to clean drinking water and to understanding how to make sure that access endures.”
Elimelech’s research focuses on various membrane-related processes for water desalination, brine management, and other applications.
His innovative work on forward osmosis, which uses membranes to filter water, has profoundly impacted the desalination and water industry. He was a co-founder of Oasys Water, a company that commercialized the ammonia-carbon dioxide forward osmosis desalination technology. More than 13 new forward osmosis start-up companies have been formed following his pioneering research.
For more information, click here for an article published by Yale News.
