Keynote and Invited Speakers

Prof. Dr. Željko Knez former dean and current vice dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Maribor, visiting professor at the University of Zagreb (Croatia). In the past, he was managing rector and vice-rector of the University of Maribor. He graduated and received his doctorate from the University of Maribor. He subsequently conducted research in the field of separation processes at Wageningen University (Netherlands) and the University of Erlangen (Germany). He was a member of the board of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering, chaired the EFCE working group "High Pressure Technologies" from 2003 to 2010 and is a member of several professional and scientific organisations (EFCE »Product Design and Engineering« section, The American Oil Chemists Society, International Society for Advancement of Supercritical Fluids-Nacy France, ProcessNet - Dechema Frankfurt). His research focuses on the use of subcritical and supercritical fluids at pressures up to 7000 bar. He has been a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts since Mach 2014, a member of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts since June 2017 and a member of the Croatian Academy of Engineering since May 2019. He has published more than 434 articles in SCI journals and delivered more than 650 lectures at various conferences. He has more than 16100 citations and an "h" index of 65. In 2017 he was among the 1% most cited authors, in 2022, 2023 and 2024 he is among the 0.35% most successful authors in the world according to Stanford University rankings He is author and co-author of 40 patents (EU, Can, US, WO, JP, …) and patent applications and co-author of 30 books published by Taylor and Francis, Willey, Woodhead Pub, Elsevier, Springer, etc. He is a reviewer for 60 SCI journals. He collaborates with industrial partners from Europe and the USA in the field of supercritical fluid applications. Details of his publications can be found at http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8760-607X.

Professor Nora Ventosa, a distinguished research scientist at the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), leads the Nanomol Research Unit, focusing on green chemistry, soft materials, and nano biochemistry. Her research emphasizes the development of innovative methodologies utilizing compressed fluids to control molecular self-assembly in solutions, aiming to create functional nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Additionally, she is actively involved in technology transfer, co-founding Nanomol Technologies S.L., a company dedicated to the industrial implementation of green processes for particulate material production. Professor Ventosa’s work significantly contributes to advancing sustainable nanotechnology and its application in medicine.

Professor Erdogan Kiran, a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech, specializes in polymer science, supercritical fluids, and high-pressure processes. His research is centered on high-pressure techniques, polymer science and engineering, and the utilization of supercritical fluids to elucidate the principles governing complex systems. His work aims to advance applications in the production, processing, and modification of polymers under high-pressure compressed or supercritical fluid conditions. High-pressure processing facilitates the development of micro-structured and functional materials, encompassing a range from particles to foams. Additionally, his expertise extends to advanced thermal and optical measurement methodologies. Professor Kiran has been instrumental in organizing international workshops, such as the Workshop on Supercritical Fluids and Energy in Brazil, fostering collaborative efforts and multinational research initiatives in the field. His contributions have significantly advanced the understanding and application of supercritical fluid technology in polymer processing and high-pressure chemical engineering.

Professor Steven Howdle, a distinguished member of the School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham, specializes in the field of sustainable polymer chemistry. His research emphasizes the development of environmentally benign synthesis methodologies for polymers and plastics, with a strong focus on clean and sustainable processes. A critical component of Professor Howdle’s work involves pioneering advancements in the 3D printing of polymeric materials. His efforts are directed toward improving the mechanical and functional properties of these materials, thereby broadening the scope of additive manufacturing applications. Furthermore, his research extends to the utilization of renewable monomers and the synthesis of sustainable polymers, contributing significantly to the progress of green chemistry and the responsible use of plastic materials. Professor Howdle’s expertise in sustainable polymer synthesis and clean chemical processes establishes him as a leading figure in the pursuit of eco-friendly materials and innovative manufacturing techniques. Currently, he is working on exploiting supercritical CO2 to lower the energy required for various polymerization strategies and to create novel polymeric architectures. Also developing new routes to monomers and polymers directly from renewable feedstocks.

Professor Ling Zhao is a distinguished professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology. She specializes in the field of polymer engineering for high-performance polymers, lightweight microcellular polymer materials and recycling of waste polymers, where is dedicated to the industrial implementation of condensed polymers and new co-polymers, polymer devolatilization, polymer foaming and polymer controllable depolymerization etc. A significant area of her expertise is supercritical CO2 foaming polymer process. She was the chief scientist of national key research and development program project ‘Lightweight technology for polymer materials’, and some innovative polymer foaming strategies and many microcellular polymer materials with high performance have been developed and successfully realized industrialization. Currently, Prof. Zhao also leads her team to develop supercritical fluid assisted cleaning technology and functional materials preparation for emerging fields.

Since 2008 Irina Smirnova is a Professor at the Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany. She serves as the Head of the Institute of Thermal Separation Processes and vice-president of research of the TUHH. Her research interests include nanocellulose; flame retardants; aerogels; trimethoxymethylsilane; and thermal insulation. Before that, the engineer was a visiting scientist at Sogang University in South Korea and worked until 2008 as a group leader and postdoctoral candidate at the Institute for Thermodynamics and Thermal Process Engineering at the Technical University of Berlin and at the Institute for Thermal Process Engineering at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. Smirnova studied physical chemistry at the State University of St. Petersburg and received her doctorate in 2002 from the Technical University of Berlin on the synthesis and application of aerogels in process engineering. She completed her postdoctoral qualification in 2008 at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. In her scientific career, she has also been awarded the DECHEMA Young Academic Award, the Hamburg Teaching Award and the Ralf Dahrendorf Prize.

Prof. Badens leads the “Processes & Supercritical Fluid group” within the Laboratory M2P2 (Mécanique, Modélisation et Procédés Propres), UMR CNRS 7340. She also served as President of the International Society for the Advancement of Supercritical Fluids (ISASF) from 2014 to 2022. Her research expertise lies in the application of supercritical fluids to industrial processes, including the supercritical extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials and crystallization processes in supercritical media for pharmaceuticals, polymers, and inorganic compounds. She has extensive experience in cleaning and sterilization methodologies and the treatment of medical devices using supercritical CO₂. Her research interests are primarily focused on processes utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide for the development of innovative products and materials, with applications in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and the energy sector.

His research focuses on the application of novel green technologies such as supercritical fluids in material processing and learning the fundamentals that could be used in the development of drug delivery systems. Supercritical fluids are defined as substances above their critical pressure and temperature and can be used as suitable media for the processing of various pharmaceutically important molecules. Dr Trivedi is primarily interested in the application of CO2 due to its low critical pressure and temperature. Supercritical CO2 also provides a non-aqueous, organic solvent and oxygen-free environment for the processing of pharmaceutical actives. Dr Trivedi is interested in the development of non-invasive drug delivery systems for biomolecules (e.g. proteins and peptides). He developed a platform known as the Solid Core Drug Delivery System (SCDDS) for the safe and sustained delivery of biomolecules in the intestine. The preparation of SCDDS entails the immobilization of biomolecules onto mesoporous particles followed by coating with suitable excipients to obtain enteric properties. This approach can potentially provide safe passage to a biological molecule into the intestine where it can be released and absorbed. Another research interest of his involves the development of strategies to improve the dissolution rate of lipophilic APIs such as by the preparation of cyclodextrin-drug complexes and amorphous solid dispersions in solvent-free media i.e. in supercritical CO2.

Hsien-Tsung Wu is a prominent professor at Ming Chi University of Technology in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Taiwan. His research expertise encompasses several key areas: •Supercritical Fluid Technology: Professor Wu focuses on the formation and dispersion of nano- and micrometric particles. He has applied supercritical assisted atomization (SAA) techniques to materials such as PMMA, chitosan, and mannitol, and utilized supercritical fluid assisted dispersion (SFAD) methods for pigments including red 177, green 36, blue 15:6, yellow 139, and violet 23. •Dispersion Polymerization: He has developed monodispersed PMMA particles and composite particles containing pigments through dispersion polymerization processes. •Kinetics of Esterification: Professor Wu investigates the kinetics of propyl levulinate synthesis over heterogeneous catalysts, contributing to advancements in esterification processes. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, and a B.S. from the National Taiwan Institute of Technology. Professor Wu’s contributions to chemical engineering are reflected in his publications, which have garnered over 566 citations, underscoring his impact in the field. His work in supercritical fluid technology and polymerization processes positions him as a leading researcher dedicated to advancing chemical engineering methodologies and applications.

Professor Feral Temelli focuses on enhancing the value-added processing of crops, with a particular emphasis on separation and conversion technologies. A significant component of this work is the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) technology for processing lipids and nutraceuticals. The program emphasizes advancing technological development by improving the understanding of the fundamental principles underlying these processes and assessing the quality and applications of the resulting products. The application of SC-CO₂ in her research encompasses various unit operations, including extraction, fractionation, chemical reactions, particle formation, and membrane separations, as well as their integration to create innovative processes. Another major research area is the development of grain fractionation technologies to optimize the processing of crops such as barley, oats, wheat, and triticale. This work aims to recover high-value components, such as beta-glucan, and evaluate their functional properties and applications in diverse products.

Professor Marleny focuses on innovative processing technologies, particularly the application of near-critical and supercritical water and carbon dioxide for the treatment of biomass and agricultural materials. These efforts aim to develop applications in nutraceuticals, food products, and industrial processes, with specific expertise in protein and starch processing. Her research interests mainly focus on Subcritical and Supercritical Fluid Processing (Utilizing supercritical CO₂, subcritical and supercritical water, and pressurized fluids for extraction, fractionation, reactions, and particle formation), Ultrasound Processing (Applications include extraction, homogenization, emulsification, and chemical reactions), and High-Pressure Processing (Employing HPP and temperature-assisted HPP for the treatment of crops and food products).

Sara Spilimbergo is Full Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Padova (Italy). She leads the Superunit Team, a research group focusing on low temperature food processes. Her main expertise lies in pasteurization and drying processes for both solid and liquid substrates using supercritical/pressurized fluids at low temperature, focusing on the degree of microbial inactivation and maintenance of sensory and nutritional qualities of products. She owns 3 patents on the field. Additionally, she is actively involved in the biomedical and pharmaceutical field, with the aim of developing innovative sustainable sterilization processes to be exploited at industrial level.

He is the Team Leader and Chief Engineer in the Food Processing and Biotechnologies research group. His chemical engineering background gets applied to the development of extraction, separation and fractionation processes to produce nutraceuticals, functional foods, dietary supplements and cosmeceuticals. Using biologically derived raw materials they work from laboratory-scale up to a semi-commercial scale. Their team research has led to the establishment of supercritical extraction as a new industrial process in New Zealand. This included building and running NZ’s first commercial supercritical extraction plant. As a result, they have enabled a range of high value products, supporting process and product patents for both New Zealand and international companies. Moreover, his area of expertise includes supercritical extraction-processing & products, Chemical, process and food engineering, functional food and nutraceutical product development, tech transfer and scale up, bee products (honey & propolis), marine lipid products and processing. Currently, He is working to establish food processing technology expertise in Auckland and work closely with the FINNZ network. He is the first fellow of Callaghan Innovation of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Aparangi.

His research focuses on the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies for resource utilization and waste reduction. His primary research interest lies in the conversion of biomass and agricultural residues into valuable chemicals and materials using advanced methods such as subcritical and supercritical water treatments. This work aims to enhance the efficiency of biomass conversion processes, particularly the dissolution and hydrolysis of cellulose, to produce bio-based platform chemicals. In addition, Professor Sasaki explores the preparation of hydrothermal carbon as a catalyst support for biomass conversion processes, with applications in the production of platform chemicals like 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. His research integrates principles of green chemistry with innovative industrial processes, striving to reduce environmental impact and promote resource efficiency. Through his contributions, Professor Sasaki is advancing sustainable technologies that support a circular economy and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.

Dr. King is currently an R&D consultant with CFS located in Fayetteville, AR. From 2005-2012 he was a Professor in the Dept. of Chemical Engineering at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville). Dr. King was also the Lead Scientist of the Critical Fluid Technology Group at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR-USDA) in Peoria, Illinois for 16 ½ years. His research interests include the development of critical fluid technology for food and agro-material processing, materials science, and analytical applications. He has authored over 275 publications (197 are peer-reviewed, including three patents) in SFE, SFC, and related separation techniques; and has lectured extensively on these subjects over the past 45 years at national and international symposia, including the ACS short course on SFE/SFF/SFC with Professor Larry Taylor. Dr. King has organized many symposia on SFE and SFC, including the well-known International Symposia on SFC and SFE. He has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Supercritical Fluids, Italian Journal of Food Science, Journal of the American Oil Chemical Society, INFORM, and is a member of ACS, AIChE, AOCS, IFT, AOAC, ASTM, and US or international critical fluid technology groups. He has been a Vice President of the International Society for the Advancement of Supercritical Fluids (ISASF) from 2003-2023. In 1993, Dr. King was named Scientist of the Year at NCAUR-USDA, and in 1994 was elected a corresponding member of the Accademia dei Georgofili in Florence, Italy. Dr. King has been awarded the Chicago Chromatography Discussion Group’s Merit Award for significant contributions to chromatography and elected to Who’s Who in America. He was awarded AOAC’s prestigious Harvey Wiley Award in 1997 for his research in analytical SFE. In 1998 he received the Merit Award from the Midwest SFC Group/Tri-State Discussion Group for consistent contributions in the supercritical fluid technology field, and the Award of Excellence at the 8th International Symposium on SFC/SFC for “pioneering achievement, leadership, and enthusiasm in the development of supercritical fluid technology and the education of others”. He was awarded an Underwood Fellowship in 1999 for sabbatical study in the United Kingdom. In the year 2000, he received the Keene P. Dimick Award at Pittcon for his contributions to the field of gas and supercritical fluid chromatography. Dr. King has also awarded the 1st Place Award for Consumer Products from the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer - Midwest Region. He also has been awarded the Herbert J. Dutton Award from the American Oil Chemists’ Society for his contributions to the analysis and processing of lipids and oils. He was selected for a Marie Curie Chair by the European Union in Brussels, Belgium in 2004. Dr. King has been Adjunct Professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Arkansas. In 2007 he was the Outstanding Researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. In 2008 he was appointed as the Mariwala Visiting Professorship at UICT in Mumbai, India. In 2009, Dr. King chaired and organized the 10th International Symposium on Supercritical Fluids, held in San Francisco, CA, May 13-16, 2012. He served as USA liaison to Innovation Fluides Supercritiques, a French organization for the promotion of supercritical fluids. In May 2012, he was elected a fellow of the American Oil Chemists’ Society. In 2013, he was also elected a Fellow of the Industrial & Engineering Division of the American Chemical Society. In 2015, Dr. King was appointed to a Visiting Fulbright Research Chair at the University of Alberta. In 2018, he was Chairman of the Separation Science & Technology a Sub-Division of the ACS. He has served as the Program Chair for the ACS sub-division on Cannabis Chemistry. In 2020 he received the ACS’ Kenneth A. Spencer Award for outstanding achievement in the field of agricultural and food chemistry. In 2021, he received the El Sohly Award – from the CANN Sub-Division of the American Chemical Society. Dr. King in 2023 was recognized at VI Iberoamerican Conference on Supercritical Fluids (Prosciba 2023) “for his outstanding achievements and contributions to our field”. Dr. King in 2024 became a Fellow in the Agricultural & Food Chemistry (AGFD) division of ACS.

Professor Youn-Woo Lee, an Emeritus Professor in the School of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Seoul National University, has made pioneering contributions to supercritical fluid technology. His research interests encompass the development and optimization of supercritical fluid processes, with a particular focus on applications in chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental sustainability. Professor Lee has extensively studied the phase behavior and thermodynamic properties of supercritical fluids, contributing to the advancement of separation and extraction technologies. His work has been instrumental in developing innovative industrial applications, including green and sustainable processing methods. With numerous high-impact publications, Professor Lee’s research continues to influence the scientific community and drive technological progress in supercritical fluid systems. Additionally, he has mentored many students and researchers, furthering the development of expertise in this specialized field and leaving a lasting legacy in academia and industry.

Professor Masahiro Yoshimura, a distinguished materials scientist at National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, and formerly of the Tokyo Institute of Technology, has made significant contributions to the field of advanced ceramics and innovative materials processing techniques. His research is centered on solid-state chemistry, solution-based synthesis, and soft chemistry approaches, with expertise in hydrothermal synthesis and the fabrication of homogeneous multicomponent oxides using polymer complex methods. He is the Founding President of the International Society for Hydrothermal and Solvothermal Applications (ISHA) (2006–2008) and served as President of the Advisory Board of the World Academy of Ceramics (2010–2014). He has held advisory roles for the International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS) and served on the Advisory Board for CIMTEC 2022 (Italy) and as a keynote speaker at ICMAT 2023 and ISHA 2023. He has extensively advanced the understanding of crystal orientation in epitaxial films and developed novel materials with tailored properties for various applications. His pioneering work spans a wide range of material systems and processing techniques, emphasizing the integration of fundamental scientific principles with practical applications. Dr. Yoshimura has received numerous prestigious awards, including several from the Ceramic Society of Japan (1986–2011), the 10th Fulrath Pacific Award (1987), and the Distinguished Life Member Award (2017) from the American Ceramic Society. He was named an Honorary Fellow of the European Ceramic Society in 2017. In 2001, Thomson Reuters recognized him as an ISI Highly Cited Researcher. Dr. Yoshimura has organized 25 international conferences, including IUMRS-ICA in Chiba (1997), IUMRS-ICAM in Yokohama (2003), and the 6th ISHA in Tainan, Taiwan (2016). He has delivered over 60 plenary/keynote lectures and more than 270 invited talks at international meetings.

Professor Masaru Watanabe is a recognized professor at Tohoku University who focuses on biomass conversion and supercritical fluid technologies in his chemical process engineering field. His research focuses on developing sustainable methods for the effective use of biomass resources, such as gasifying organics using catalysts in supercritical water and using supercritical extraction to effectively separate phytochemical components. To promote ecologically friendly chemical processes, Professor Watanabe also investigates the recycling of plastics and lithium-ion batteries. His efforts have a major impact on the development of sustainable engineering methods and green chemistry. Prof. Watanabe’s research interests could be highlighted with topics including: (1) supercritical fluid technology: Developing innovative processes utilizing supercritical fluids for material synthesis and chemical reactions, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. (2) Biomass conversion: Exploring methods to transform biomass into valuable chemicals and fuels, contributing to sustainable energy solutions. (3) Chemical recycling of polymers: Investigating environmentally friendly techniques for recycling polymers, such as polycarbonate, through supercritical water processes to promote circular economic practices. (4) Catalysis in green chemistry: Studying solid acid and base catalysts to facilitate eco-friendly chemical transformations, particularly in biomass utilization and waste reduction. By combining environmental technology, materials science, and chemical engineering, Professor Watanabe’s multidisciplinary approach greatly advances sustainable industrial processes.

Dr. Juan Carlos Rendón-Angeles is a full-time researcher and lecturer in the Department of Ceramic Engineering of the Center for Research and Advanced Studies, Campus Saltillo. He earned a Master´s degree from the Applied Chemistry and Extractive Industry College of the National Polytechnic Institute in 1993. In 1997, I successfully received a Ph. D in Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Tohoku University Japan. His early career experience as a researcher in hydrothermal processing enabled him to study the fundamental chemistry knowledge related to hydrothermal reaction mechanisms by undertaking both research and laboratory teaching activities at the Research Laboratory of Hydrothermal Chemistry (Kochi University, Japan), mainly in the areas of powder processing and crystal growth. In 2000, he joined the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnique Institute Campus Saltillo to hold a research assistant position. He was promoted to lecturer (Associate professor) in 2009 – present. Dr. Rendón-Angeles has over 28 years of experience in hydrothermal processing, inorganic compound powder processing, and particle growth under hydrothermal conditions. His current research projects involve hydrothermal reactions to synthesise nanostructured inorganic silicate-based pigments via 3D hierarchical assembly, aiming to determine stability diagrams for aqueous systems and control crystallisation conditions for nanosized pigment particles. His work contributes significantly to developing green hydrothermal processing methods, utilising mineral species for single-step crystallisation of valuable ceramic nanostructured compounds, and solid waste management under hydrothermal conditions.

Professor Mitsumasa Osada, a prominent researcher at Shinshu University, focuses his work on the sustainable utilization of biomass resources and the development of advanced materials through environmentally friendly processes. His research encompasses the efficient conversion of biomass into valuable chemicals and materials, leveraging green chemistry principles with water-based solvent systems. A significant area of his expertise is supercritical water gasification, where he investigates the transformation of lignin and cellulose into clean energy sources, aiming to improve the efficiency and sustainability of bioenergy production. In addition to biomass conversion, Professor Osada explores the fabrication and application of nanofiber and biopolymer materials derived from natural polymers such as chitin and proteins. These materials hold significant potential for use in various industrial and biomedical applications. Furthermore, his research integrates machine learning techniques to predict and optimize material properties, accelerating the development of novel materials with customized functionalities. Through his interdisciplinary and innovative approach, Professor Osada contributes to advancing sustainable technologies and creating materials that address global challenges in energy, the environment, and industrial development.

Dr. Xiang Lan earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Institute of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in 1992. She currently serves as a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University. Her research encompasses a broad range of topics, including the synthesis of inorganic materials, nano-dispersion and controlled directional growth, powder processing, hydrothermal technologies, and the fabrication of composite materials. She has been engaged in inorganic chemical research for a long time, including micro/nanostructures and surface regulation, dispersion and agglomeration, separation and composite, directional growth, powder and hydrothermal technology.

Professor Seiichi Takami, a distinguished faculty member at Nagoya University, specializes in the process engineering of material synthesis, reaction engineering, and the development of nanomaterials. His research encompasses the design and optimization of material synthesis processes, with a particular emphasis on non-equilibrium nanomaterials and surface modification techniques. He also focuses on analyzing synthetic environments using neutron radiography. Through his work, Professor Takami aims to advance the field of materials science by developing innovative synthesis methods and enhancing the functional properties of materials for various applications.

Professor Akira Yoko, an Associate Professor at Tohoku University, specializes in the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles, with a particular emphasis on supercritical hydrothermal methods. His research interests include the nucleation and growth mechanisms of nanoparticles, the development of organically modified nanoparticles, and the study of nanoparticle distortions. Additionally, Professor Yoko focuses on the design and application of nano catalysts, aiming to enhance their performance through precise control of nanoparticle properties. His work contributes to advancements in nanomaterials and their applications in various fields.

Dr. Stéphane has served as the Director of the Energy Programs Directorate within the Energy Division (DES) at CEA, overseeing strategic R&D initiatives focused on low-carbon energy technologies, including nuclear and renewable energy since 2020. This division involves more than 2,200 engineers, researchers, and technicians, supported by an annual research budget of approximately €400 million. Since 2011, Stéphane has also held the position of Research Director in Chemical Engineering and Green Chemistry at CEA, where he has been instrumental in advancing sustainable and innovative chemical processes. He previously served as Chairman of the French Membranes Club from 2000 to 2009 and has been President of Supercritical Fluids Innovation (IFS), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting green processes, since 2006. In addition to his academic and leadership roles, he co-founded Inovalor, a startup established in 2014, which focuses on developing novel processes for hazardous waste management.

Volkmar Steinhagen received his diploma in chemical engineering from Technical University of Berlin, Germany. After postgraduate studies at the University of Delaware, U.S.A., he started his professional career in 1994 at Uhde High Pressure Technologies GmbH (thyssenkrupp), based in Hagen, Germany with the process and mechanical design of high-pressure plants. One early highlight was the design and commissioning of the first SCF plant specifically designed for pharmaceutical products supplied by Uhde to a customer in the Netherlands. The company is specialized in designing, developing, and producing advanced high-pressure systems and equipment for a wide range of industrial applications. With over a century of expertise, it offers end-to-end solutions that include process engineering, mechanical design, material selection, manufacturing and system integration. Their engineering services are distinguished by innovation, precision, and reliability. After five years, he moved to the sales and process engineering department and worked on process engineering and sales of complete high-pressure systems with a focus on applications using supercritical fluids such as carbon dioxide, propane or nitrogen dedicated for the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industry. His area of work also included product and process development, commissioning and customer’s operators training. Following the successful commissioning of a complex de-oiling plant in China, he was appointed Product Manager for SCF Plants and was thus responsible for related global product development and sales. Many new applications were subsequently transferred from laboratory or pilot scale to industrial scale. At the same time, he was enhancing Uhde’s general process knowhow and invented a number of new technical solutions, particularly with regard to functional fixtures, resulting in valuable patents. In 2022 he became Head of Process Technology at Uhde. Volkmar Steinhagen is vice chairman of the DECHEMA ProcessNet expert group for high-pressure process engineering. Since 2023 he is member of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE) working group “High Pressure Technology”.

Shogo Suzuki is engaged in research aimed at practical applications of supercritical fluids. Shogo Suzuki led the development of functional materials in supercritical carbon dioxide and wastewater treatment using supercritical water oxidation in a company. Then, Shogo Suzuki worked in process development of regenerative medical materials for animal tissues and extraction of natural plant components using liquefied DME. Shogo Suzuki moved to ALBION for the practical application of the extraction process of cosmetic ingredients using liquefied DME. Shogo Suzuki is involved in process development, mainly targeting functional oils, while confirming the superiority of liquefied DME extraction. Cosmetic Ingredients must ensure functionality and safety. In many cases, functionality and safety are not compatible in cosmetic ingredients. Therefore, Shogo Suzuki's team develop ingredients by predicting functionality and safety from the composition of the extract ingredients and stability from the properties of the extract ingredients. The research results led to the launch of a product containing cosmetic ingredients by liquefied DME extraction in January 2025. The team will continue to contribute to the practical application of functional ingredients based on this technology.

Xiaoqing BAO is an R&D manager at JOPE Technology Company. She was a research assistant at I-Shou University in Taiwan for four years and learned the application of SF-SMB on fish oil separation. Her current research focuses on the separation of active ingredients from natural products, the chiral separation, and the biorefinery for biomass by using SMB or SF-SMB. Jope (Jope Technology Co., LTD) is a leading provider of services related to supercritical fluid technology and chromatography. From screening to customized separation solutions, Jope offers services ranging from lab-scale to full-scale Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) chromatography process development, design, production, and on-site installation. The engineering department of Jope Technology has more than 20 years of expertise in supercritical fluid technology (SF). Jope combined SF with SMB and innovatively designed and created the world’s first production-scale SF-SMB in 2014, bringing SMB technology to a new cutting edge. Jope focuses on the innovation of the purification process and offers integrated service from the stage of R&D to production.

Dr. Shunsuke ASAHINA is currently the Group leader for the Application planning group at JEOL Ltd and a specially appointed professor at the Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University. He got his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Tohoku University. His current research focuses on low-voltage SEM on Nanostructured materials and its elucidation of the physical phenomena. And he is interested in research on coffee as well. He is a Japan Coffee Qualification Authority (JCQA) Certified Associate Coffee Instructor.

His study areas are intensification of processes through the implementation of new technologies, the development of new materials using supercritical fluids, and development of hydrothermal reactive and extractive systems for biorefinery. He studies the use of supercritical water as a reaction medium for biomass. Water above 374 ℃ and 220 bar behaves in a very special way specifically for biomass; it is capable of ultra-fast and low polar reactions. A biopolymer such as cellulose can be decomposed very efficiently in a few milliseconds, which can intensify the process and reduce the reactor volume. However, the use of high temperatures implies a considerable energy cost that he is working to minimize and make it sustainable. Danilo’s vision is to be a reference in the use of supercritical water, not only for biomass depolymerization but also for other processes that can benefit from intensification.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Manfred Renner holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering. He specializes in material development and process engineering, which are necessary for the development and implementation of a circular economy (CE). He has set international standards with his award-winning research work on the use of compressed carbon dioxide: "Ferchau Innovation Award" in 2013, "Professor Siegfried Peter Prize" in 2017, "Fraunhofer Prize" in 2022, and two "European Innovation Awards" from EARTO in 2017 and 2023. In 2022, Manfred Renner took over the management of the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT in Oberhausen. With more than 600 employees, Fraunhofer UMSICHT develops processes and materials for the institute’s key topics – Circular Economy, Carbon Management, Green Hydrogen, and Local Energy Systems – with a budget of > €70 million. Manfred Renner was a representative of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in the "Transformation Alliance of the Federal Chancellor" in 2023 about the topics CE for the battery and construction industry and is an advisor to the Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke on the "National Circular Economy Strategy". Since 2022, he has been heading and spokesperson for the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastic Economy.

Professor Edit Székely, a distinguished faculty member at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, has been leading the High-Pressure Technologies Research Laboratory since 2014. Her research is centered on innovative high-pressure processes, with a particular emphasis on sustainable separation techniques and the development of green technologies. She has made significant contributions to the field of chiral molecule separation, exploring their wide applications across various industries due to the distinct biological effects of enantiomers. Additionally, Professor Székely’s work encompasses the extraction of bioactive compounds, such as Phyto cannabinoids, which are associated with various medicinal and therapeutic properties. Her research endeavors aim to advance sustainable and efficient methodologies in chemical engineering, promoting environmentally friendly and economically viable industrial processes.

Professor Dan Wang is a distinguished researcher at the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) within the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Technology from Yamanashi University in 2001. His research interests encompass: •Controllable Synthesis of Multi-Shelled Hollow Structures: Developing methods to fabricate hollow structures with multiple shells for various applications. •Construction of Hierarchically Mesostructured Materials: Designing materials with hierarchical mesoporous structures to enhance their functional properties. •Energy Conversion and Storage: Investigating materials and systems for efficient energy conversion and storage solutions. •Photocatalysis and Photosynthesis: Exploring photocatalytic processes and artificial photosynthesis for environmental and energy applications. •Drug Release and Biological Detection: Studying materials for controlled drug delivery systems and sensitive biological detection methods. •Bio separation and Bone Substitutes: Researching materials for biological separation processes and developing substitutes for bone tissue engineering. Professor Wang has made significant contributions to the synthesis and application of nanostructured materials, particularly in the development of multi-shelled metal oxide hollow microspheres. His work has been published in high-impact journals, reflecting his influence in the fields of inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, and nanotechnology. In recognition of his contributions, Professor Wang has received several honors, including the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars in 2013 and the CAS Award for Outstanding Mentors in 2014.

Shouhua Feng, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is currently Director of the Academic Committee of Jilin University, President of the Science and Technology Association of Jilin Province, President of the Chemical Society of Jilin Province, and President of the International Solvothermal and Hydrothermal Chemistry Association. He received his Ph.D. degree in chemistry from Jilin University, China in 1986 and was selected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2005. He is a member of the State Council Academic Degrees Committee, the Ethics Committee of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chemical Advisory Committee of the Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Science and Technology Commission of the Ministry of Education. Prof. Feng has been engaged in inorganic solid-state chemistry and preparative chemistry for more than 30 years. He is a prolific researcher, having published over 500 journal articles, and has received numerous awards including the first "National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars" and the academic head of "Innovative Research Group" of the Natural Science Foundation of China. Professor Shouhua Feng, a distinguished chemist at Jilin University, China, has made significant contributions to inorganic chemistry, particularly in the synthesis and characterization of novel materials. His research encompasses several key areas: •Hydrothermal Synthesis: Developing innovative methods for creating inorganic compounds under hydrothermal conditions, leading to materials with unique properties and structures. •Photocatalysis: Designing and optimizing materials that harness light energy to drive chemical reactions, with applications in environmental remediation and sustainable energy solutions. •Electrochemistry: Investigating the electrochemical properties of materials to enhance energy storage and conversion technologies, such as batteries and fuel cells. •Green Chemistry: Emphasizing environmentally friendly synthetic routes to minimize hazardous substances and promote sustainable practices in chemical manufacturing. His extensive publication record and numerous citations reflect his influence and leadership in the field of inorganic chemistry.

Professor Shu Yin, a distinguished faculty member at Tohoku University’s Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials (IMRAM), focuses his research on the morphological control of nanostructured materials, particularly through hydrothermal and solvothermal processes. His work encompasses the development of photocatalytic materials, UV-IR shielding smart window materials, and two-dimensional gas sensing materials. Additionally, Professor Yin is engaged in soft chemical synthesis methods, aiming to innovate environmentally friendly and efficient production techniques for advanced functional materials. His contributions have significantly advanced the field of materials science, particularly in the synthesis and application of nanomaterials with tailored properties for energy and environmental applications.

Professor Takeshi Momose, currently serving at Kumamoto University, Japan, specializes in materials science and engineering, with a particular emphasis on supercritical fluid deposition (SCFD) techniques. His research focuses on the development of thin-film processes for creating metal films and organic/inorganic hybrid materials. This work is pivotal in advancing material fabrication methods, potentially impacting various industrial applications. In addition to his expertise in SCFD, Professor Momose has conducted kinetic studies on heterogeneous nucleation and incubation periods during film formation. These studies aim to understand the effects of concentration and sticking probability of film-forming species, contributing to the optimization of thin-film deposition processes. His research also extends to identifying mechanisms of the formation of chlorinated silane polymer by-products during chemical vapor infiltration of SiC. This work is essential for improving the quality and efficiency of chemical vapor deposition techniques used in material synthesis. Professor Momose’s interdisciplinary approach integrates applied physics, electrochemistry, and photochemistry, aiming to develop advanced materials with enhanced functionalities for various industrial and environmental applications. His academic journey includes a tenure as a lecturer at The University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Engineering, where he contributed significantly to the field of materials science.

He has been engaged in the basic theory and application of supercritical fluid and its application research for a long time. His research results cover the green chemistry and chemical process of supercritical fluid, the preparation and application of nano-functional materials, the separation and purification of natural active substances, etc. His keen research interests are basic theory and application of process engineering in supercritical fluids, preparation, properties, and applications of graphene and other nanomaterials and their composites, and separation and purification of natural bioactive substances. Recently, he has presided over nearly 30 projects including the key special projects of the National key R&D Program, the National 863 Project, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission Nano Special Project, the Shanghai Economic Commission High-tech Project, the Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical Engineering Cross-Project and enterprise commissioned development projects.

Professor Richard Tilley is the Director of the Electron Microscope Unit at UNSW. His research is focused on the solution synthesis of nanoparticles for applications ranging from catalysis to biomedical imaging. His research interests focus on deep insights into the synthesis of nanoparticles with a range of applications including MRI contrast agents, catalysts, and solar cells. Characterization of nanoparticle sizes and shapes. Additionally, his research focuses on the solution synthesis of nanoparticles and their diverse applications across various fields. In catalysis, he explores the development of nanocrystals to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of chemical reactions. In the biomedical field, his work includes designing nanoparticles as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), contributing to more accurate and effective diagnostic techniques. Furthermore, Professor Tilley investigates the use of nanomaterials in improving the performance and efficiency of solar cells. His interdisciplinary approach integrates chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology, driving significant advancements in the development and application of nanomaterials for both industrial and medical purposes.

Professor Takaaki Tomai, an honorable faculty member at Tohoku University, specializes in material process engineering, nanomaterial science, and chemical engineering. His research focuses on developing material conversion processes that promote carbon circulation, employing supercritical fluids to control material and process parameters. He emphasizes multi-scale structural control of materials through dynamic interface science and the advancement of hydrothermal electrochemical processes. By integrating electrochemistry, Professor Tomai aims to enhance the efficiency of supercritical processes, contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society through innovative nanomaterials and sustainable chemical production methods. His research interests encompass nanomaterials synthesis and characterization, electrochemical reduction of CO2 at higher pressure and other electrochemical devices, energy and environmental applications, and functional polymer development. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Professor Tomai contributes significantly to advancing materials science and engineering.

Richard Walton is presently Professor of Chemistry at the University of Warwick, where he is also currently Deputy Head of Department, overseeing research. His research lies in synthesis of inorganic materials and their structural characterisation, with an emphasis on new hydrothermal and solvothermal routes to materials with extended solid-state structures, from nanoporous zeotypes and MOFs to complex oxide materials, spanning nanocrystalline to crystalline matter. An important aspect of his research is the development of in situ methods to follow crystallisation and reactivity of materials, which makes use of international synchrotron and neutron facilities. His group’s work on materials discovery has led to various industrial collaborations, including with Johnson Matthey, where he was Royal Society Industry Fellow 2015-2019, and with whom he is developing new heterogeneous catalysts for clean air and for electrochemical water splitting. He also has led various international collaborative projects, especially with Brazil and Indonesia in the past 10 years, to look at the properties of materials for applications related to sustainability.

Bushra Al-Duri is a Professor in in Sustainable Process Engineering. Her track record exceeds 132 publications, including 46 conference papers, 22 keynote lectures and 28 PhD studentships. Her specialty covers fundamentals and design of high-pressure high-temperature processes, to convert hazardous waste to useful compounds, clean water and energy. Her latest work involves assesses a novel promising technology that offers a full-circle solution to the UK and global problem of fast-accumulating end-of-life (EoL) packaging plastics. Bushra is part of the Birmingham Plastics Network, an interdisciplinary team of more than 40 academics working together to shape the fate and sustainable future of plastics. This unique team brings together chemists, environmental scientists, philosophers, linguists, economists, and experts in many other fields, to holistically address the global plastics problem.