Birmingham scientists join UK-Germany membrane exchange

Early career scientists from Birmingham and Dresden have been chosen for the first exchanges in a new programme studying membranes, the thin barriers that play a vital part in everything from living cells to water purification.

The Bridging the Membrane programme was set up by the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence, known as AIME, TU Dresden in Germany and The Dresden Trust. It was launched at a scientific symposium in Dresden in July 2026 and is funded by the British Council's Springboard programme.

Who is taking part

The programme links Aston University, the University of Warwick, the University of Birmingham, Coventry University and TU Dresden.

In the first group, Harshil Umrawala from AIME will travel to Dresden in November to work with Dr Michal Grzybek at the Centre of Membrane Biochemistry and Lipid Research. Jessica Bowater, also from AIME, will receive training from Professor Maria Fedorova at TU Dresden.

From Dresden, Paula Hutfless will come to AIME in December to work with Dr Naomi Pollock, and Carina Schmitt will work with Professor Falk Schneider at the University of Warwick's Fluorescence and Membrane Dynamics Laboratory.

Why membranes matter

Membranes control what passes in and out of cells, and many medicines work by acting on proteins in cell membranes. Artificial membranes are also used in industry, from separating molecules to cleaning water, and in new healthcare technologies.

Building links

Professor Roslyn Bill of AIME and Professor Unal Coskun of TU Dresden said that researchers at the start of their careers need chances to work abroad, and that "Bridging the Membrane creates exactly those opportunities for researchers at the beginning of their careers."

A link with a history

The Dresden Trust was founded in Britain to build reconciliation and friendship with the city of Dresden, which was heavily bombed in the Second World War. Scientific exchanges are one way it continues that work today.