Designing sustainable membranes for a cleaner future
From Warsaw to Vienna, Edinburgh, and now Eindhoven, Jadwiga Poniatowska's journey has been shaped by curiosity, sustainability and a desire to make chemistry matter beyond the lab. As a PhD candidate at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), she is working to design new sustainable membrane materials: innovations that could make industrial processes cleaner, more energy-efficient and circular.
In the heart of Brainport Eindhoven, Jadwiga combines fundamental chemistry with real-world impact. And just as importantly, she has found a place where she can live, grow and feel at home.
Turning chemistry into real-world solutions
Growing up in Poland with Libyan roots, Jadwiga was exposed to international environments early on. She finished high school on a scholarship in Vienna and went on to complete both her bachelor's and master’s degrees in chemistry at the University of Edinburgh. During her master’s internship at Syngenta’s international research centre in England, her passion for sustainability came into focus. “That experience made me realise how powerful chemistry can be when it’s used to develop practical solutions for environmental challenges,” she says.
When looking for a PhD position, she searched for a place where chemistry would not stay theoretical but could translate into real-world applications. TU/e immediately stood out for its strong focus on applied research and the close link between chemistry and engineering. The move to Eindhoven also meant stepping into Brainport Eindhoven: an internationally recognised hub for high tech innovation.
Membranes: small materials, big impact
At TU/e’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Jadwiga is part of the Membrane Materials and Processes group. Membranes play an essential but often overlooked role in industrial separation processes, such as gas separation, water purification, and energy storage.
Membranes are the unseen heroes of many industrial processes.
However, current membrane materials often have short lifetimes and are discarded through incineration or landfill. Jadwiga's PhD research focuses on developing polymer-based membranes that are more sustainable: materials that can be reprocessed, reused and recycled without sacrificing performance. “You develop new materials in the lab, but you also test them in realistic conditions. I enjoy that balance between chemistry and engineering.”
Research that connects with industry
Jadwiga’s work is part of the ARC CBBC, a national research consortium that brings together universities, industry and government. Partners include TU/e, Utrecht University, the University of Groningen, Shell, BASF, AkzoNobel and Nouryon. This collaboration helps ensure that academic research stays relevant and aligned with industry needs. “The strong connection to industry means that our research isn’t just theoretical. It’s aimed at making real impact.”
That impact is urgently needed: separation processes account for 30–60% of energy use in chemical plants. Improving both the performance and sustainability of membranes directly contributes to a cleaner industry.
An international region where integration comes naturally
Outside the lab, Jadwiga has found Brainport Eindhoven to be a region that makes it easy for international talent to feel at home. With world-leading companies, universities and research institutes all within reach, English is widely spoken and opportunities to integrate are plentiful.
Using English at work and in everyday life is completely normal here, which makes moving to Brainport from abroad easy.
Having previously lived and worked in the UK, Poland and Austria, Jadwiga didn’t experience major cultural shocks when she arrived. “But I do appreciate the Dutch work culture a lot. It’s laid back, communicative and encourages innovation. People are paid fairly, enjoy a good work-life balance and are free to be themselves.”
“It’s also very easy to find Dutch language courses as a foreigner. That really helps you feel part of society.”
Eindhoven: a city made for young professionals
Before moving to the Netherlands, Jadwiga mostly associated Eindhoven with industry and football. Living in the city quickly changed that image. “After moving here, I realised how great Eindhoven actually is, especially for young people.”
She describes Eindhoven as a perfect balance between scale and liveliness. “It’s small enough that your work, hobbies and social life are all nearby and easily reachable by bike, but large enough to offer a wide variety of events for every interest.”
From Dutch Design Week to the GLOW Festival, the city offers cultural, creative and tech-driven events throughout the year while maintaining a relaxed, accessible atmosphere.
A joyful lifestyle built on stability
Over time, what Jadwiga values most is the sense of peace and balance she experiences in the Netherlands.
Life here feels calm, stable and joyful. People really enjoy the small things in daily life. I’m not surprised this country is ranked among the happiest in the world.
She credits this lifestyle to a combination of high living standards, personal safety, and strong social support systems.
Cycling is one of Jadwiga’s favourite aspects of Dutch life. “The infrastructure is incredible: green, safe and efficient. It’s such a healthy and accessible way to move around.”
Looking ahead
As she moves toward the final phase of her PhD, Jadwiga is still considering whether her future lies in academia or industry. What’s certain is her commitment to materials science and sustainability. “I want to keep working on solutions that make a difference, whether that’s in a company, a start-up or a university.”
For international researchers and students thinking about coming to Brainport Eindhoven, her advice is simple. “If you find a project that matches your interests, just go for it. It’s a friendly and international place, and you can really build a life here.”
