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The Centre for Separation Technology coordinates the discovery of new opportunities, research and industrial cooperation in separation processes. Our diverse and open community ranges from big multinational companies to first-class universities. The CST board has four members from industry and four from LUT.

Founded in 1997, CST is the bridge between industry and academia for global separation technologies – now and tomorrow. CST’s network provides real solutions that raise the ambition level of the industry, enabling players to have broader opportunities, better processes and greater impact.

To address the needs of the industry, CST helps to build the best possible networks and project consortiums, offers laboratory services, as well as students’ course assignments and thesis works.

500+
Person community with over 35 nationalities
350+
Research Infrastructure in 2500m2 total lab space
9M€
Research budget with 57% external funding
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Collaboration is King

CST is a firm believer in building the best possible networks. The idea is to make sure that the right people get together at the right time. This means, for instance, that CST invites specific industry players to its events: namely, companies that are a great strategic fit from the perspective of the separation tech community.

First and foremost, CST wants to lay down the best foundations, so that its community can succeed. A big part of this involves innovative matchmaking which leads to fruitful partnerships and better business. CST offers its members a genuine voice as part of the CST community. For the member’s organization, this translates to increased visibility through various channels. 

Simply put: CST has that rare funding know-how that our members have come to rely upon over the years. And there’s more: in connection to joint research activities, you can also take advantage of the analytical capabilities and lab equipment. CST Community is completely open for active partners who are working together with us to find new solutions. CST is funded by LUT for the benefit of both the university and its partner companies.

Roxia
CST can support us in so many ways that we consider them to be a strategic partner for us. We have seen, time and time again, that great things happen when we work together.
Simo Manninen
Vice President of Business Management, Roxia

Brimming with potential

Here are a few examples of how LUT’s Separation Science is forging new paths and transforming the old:

Bio-based Materials is an exciting area with a clear need for breakthroughs in energy-efficient bioprocesses and the conversion of biomass into chemicals. Currently, Separation & Purification processes account for 60-80 % of the total costs in the sector. Improving the quality and efficiency of separation processes will contribute significantly to reducing costs and making bio-based energy and chemicals truly feasible.

Water is a matter of life and death for people and the planet. Therefore, Separation Science will always deal, in one way or another, with this issue. Currently, it is already feasible to reduce water usage by adapting smart recovery methods. At the same time, hi-tech water treatment is making significant advances as well.

Metals and minerals are in the very core of Separation Science. Since 40 % of the global economy is dependent on the mining sector, the financial stakes are high – and Circular Economy is making its own demands in this field, as well. As a consequence, purification of ores and purification & recycling of waste keep rising on companies’ agendas.