Cranfield University’s Nano Membrane Toilet has today been named as one of the UK’s 100 best breakthroughs for its significant impact on people’s everyday lives.
The Nano Membrane Toilet is being developed in response to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's ‘Reinvent the Toilet Challenge’. The innovative, affordable and sustainable toilet developed by the team can be used without the need for connection to water, power or sewage supplies and has no waste collection requirement.
The team recently showcased the toilet at the ‘Reinvented Toilet Expo’ in China, and the prototype is now on permanent display at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Centre in Seattle.
The list of breakthroughs demonstrates how UK universities are at the forefront of some of the world’s most important discoveries, innovations and social initiatives and also highlights the less celebrated but vital breakthroughs that transform lives.
Compiled by Universities UK, the umbrella group for UK universities, the list is part of the MadeAtUni campaign to change public perceptions of universities and bring to life the difference they make to people, lives and communities across the UK.
Dr Alison Parker, Lecturer in International Water and Sanitation at Cranfield University said: “It is fantastic for the Nano Membrane Toilet and Cranfield University to be featured in the UK’s Best Breakthrough list. We’re extremely proud of the work that the team are doing and the difference it will make to people, lives and communities.”
Professor Dame Janet Beer, President of Universities UK, said: “Universities really do transform lives. The technology we use every day, the medicines that save lives, the teachers who inspire – all come from UK universities and the important work being done by academics.
“The UK’s Best Breakthroughs list is a testament to the difference that universities make to people’s lives and we want everyone to join us in celebrating the work they do.”
You can find out more about the UK’s Best Breakthroughs and the MadeAtUni campaign here www.madeatuni.org.uk.
About Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management.
