The interview follows an announcement earlier this month that Filtration+Separation and WFI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen ties and emphasize their shared commitment to advancing technologies and initiatives in the industry.
F+S: Tell us more about the World Filtration Institute.
Dr Sun: The World Filtration Institute (WFI), established in 2019, is a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the filtration and separation industry. Our mission is to support industry growth and drive advancements in the sciences and technologies of filtration and separation for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.
With over 40 years of experience in academia and industry, we recognize that filtration is a highly multidisciplinary field, addressing critical challenges that impact humanity, the environment, and technological progress. As these challenges become increasingly complex, WFI has responded to the industry's need to consolidate scattered information and expertise into a cohesive resource.
WFI remains committed to serving as a key resource for professional development, team building, and business advancement, empowering individuals and organizations to collaboratively tackle these challenges and shape a better future. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, WFI fosters a collaborative platform that promotes knowledge sharing, innovation, and the growth of this vital field.
How can we bring together resources and expertise to support the global need for team building, knowledge sharing, and business development? This question drives WFI’s mission to unite experts and organizations to address the growing demands of the filtration and separation industry.
F+S: What are some of the WFI’s key aims and goals?
Dr Sun: We have several key goals we are working toward. These include:
- Supporting industry growth: Promoting the development and expansion of the global filtration industry.
- Team building and public education: Over the past five years, more than 1,000 individuals from 40+ countries have participated in our training and education programs.
- Global reach: WFI’s advisory board and ambassadors include over 60 members from approximately 20 countries.
- Promoting innovations: Addressing timely issues and recognizing new developments through professional training and awards like the Product of the Year.
- Providing education: Equipping professionals with essential knowledge and skills through comprehensive programs.
- Promoting sustainability: Advocating sustainable filtration solutions for a healthier world.
- Fostering collaboration: Encouraging partnerships between academia, industry, and global organizations to drive innovation.
F+S: Who is involved in the WFI?
Dr Sun: WFI brings together globally recognized experts, including industry leaders, academics, researchers, and innovators, united by a shared passion to tackle challenges and advance filtration and separation technologies for a sustainable future. (Reference: WFI Advisory Board, WFI Ambassadors).
F+S: What has WFI achieved to date?
Dr Sun: Our key achievements include:
- Professional training program: Launched the Certified Filtration & Separation Specialist (CFSS) program, the most comprehensive, effective, efficient and flexible training currently available in the industry. (Ref: CFSS 2024 Program)
- Team building and public education: Engaged over 1,000 participants from 40+ countries in training and public education initiatives.
- Global reach: Expanded its advisory board and ambassador network to include over 50 members from countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Industry collaboration: Partnered with organizations like ASHRAE, The Filtration Society, and the Chinese Filtration Association, etc. to promote health, energy efficiency, decarbonization, and sustainability.
- Public education: Offered free webinars to raise public awareness about filtration's role in global challenges (Ref: Filtration Hour)
F+S: Why is the MoU with Filtration+Separation magazine important?
Dr Sun: This partnership amplifies industry leadership by combining WFI’s extensive expertise in filtration and separation with Filtration+Separation’s media reach. Together, we aim to serve the global filtration community more effectively and drive advancements that benefit society.
F+S: Tell us more about the WFI 2024 virtual event.
Dr Sun: The World Filtration Institute 2024 Annual Conference (WFI 2024) will be held online, December 3–4, 2024, from 8:00am to 12:00pm EST. The theme of this conference is: “Sustainable Filtration Solutions for a Cleaner and Healthier World.” It will be an internationally leading expert conference addressing the latest advances in filtration and separation technologies and their increasing critical roles in healthy living and surrounding environments. It will feature six advanced sessions:
- Sustainable Filtration for A Healthier Indoor Environment
- Filtration Advances for Emerging Technologies
- Innovative Materials and Technologies for Sustainable Filtration
- Circular Economy and Sustainable Water Solutions
- Regulatory Trends and Standards Updates
- Artificial Intelligence in Advanced Filtration Solution
To view the full program, visit: https://www.wficonference.org/
F+S: Why should people attend WFI 2024?
Dr Sun: Attendees can learn from global leaders on the latest updates and opportunities in filtration, discover cutting-edge innovations, new sustainability practices, standards and regulations, and network with peers, experts, and global leaders to expand their professional networks.
F+S: What is next on the cards for the WFI (after the virtual event)?
Dr Sun: On March 11, 2025, WFI will introduce its updated Certified Filtration & Separation Specialist (CFSS) program, offering training on the latest industry developments. WFI will also continue hosting regular Filtration Hour sessions in 2025, providing live Q&A forums to address audience’s questions, new developments, trends and opportunities.
F+S: What is the long-term goal for WFI?
Dr Sun: The long-term goal of the WFI is to serve as a global leader in advancing the filtration and separation industry by driving innovation, sustainability, professional development, and team excellence. Our key objectives include:
- Building global expertise: Expanding professional development initiatives, such as the Certified Filtration & Separation Specialist (CFSS) program, to equip individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills needed to address evolving industry demands.
- Advancing innovation: Facilitating advancements in filtration technologies through knowledge-sharing platforms like conferences, training programs, and webinars, and recognizing groundbreaking achievements with awards such as the Product of the Program.
- Expanding industry reach: Strengthening global partnerships and enhancing our advisory board and ambassador network to ensure the industry remains dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready.
- Inspiring future generations: Engaging and mentoring the next generation of professionals to meet the growing demand for expertise in filtration and separation, a field critical to global sustainability and well-being.
- Promoting sustainability: Leading the development and adoption of sustainable filtration solutions that contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world.
F+S: What are some of the filtration and separation sector’s biggest challenges currently?
Dr Sun: Challenges include:
- Meeting stringent standards: Navigating increasingly rigorous regulatory requirements while ensuring compliance with evolving global standards and guidelines.
- Sustainability: Striking a balance between high-performance filtration solutions and minimizing environmental impact, including the development of sustainable materials and processes.
- Cost-effectiveness: Developing innovative, affordable solutions that maintain high quality and performance to meet the needs of diverse industries.
- Team building and talent development: Addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals who are well-equipped to tackle the increasing challenges and opportunities in the filtration and separation industry. This includes fostering a new generation of talent through comprehensive training programs.
F+S: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Dr Sun: We deeply appreciate the global leading experts who share our passion and contribute tirelessly to advancing the filtration and separation industry. Their insights and innovations serve as the foundation of our progress. We are also profoundly thankful to our corporate members, whose steadfast support propels our mission forward, enabling us to continually enhance our programs and broaden our reach.
Together, through collective efforts and joint collaborations, we look forward to seizing new opportunities to share knowledge, tackle challenges, and drive meaningful change. By uniting as a global community, we aim to empower professionals, inspire future generations, and promote sustainable filtration solutions for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.
