Membrane science and technology has become a rapidly growing area in the 1980's fostering the creation of membrane-specific organizations in Europe, Japan, and the US. Membranes as a still emerging area has a multitude of potential applications. The key areas include sensors, encapsulations, and separations, among others which are crucial to many industries. The US participation in the Congress is, therefore, of vital national interest. In such a fast moving area, it is important to bring together scientists and engineers in a coherent meeting which has an international point-of-view. The International Congress on Membranes and Membrane Processes (ICOM) is the premier forum for this important area. The initial congress meeting was held in Europe in 1984 and a second in Tokyo in 1987. The Third congress is planned for Chicago, August 20-24, 1990. This third congress is sponsored by the North American Membrane Society (NAMS). Co-sponsors are the European Society of Membrane Science and Technology and the Membrane Society of Japan. At present it is expected to have 57 technical sessions, 2 posted paper sessions, and 1 plenary lecture session. The total number of papers to be presented will be about 500, making this the largest membrane meeting ever held.
