Students & Professors

Where Research Becomes Opportunity

AFS connects students, professors, and industry leaders to advance research, develop careers, and accelerate innovation in filtration and separations.

Why Students and Professors Choose AFS

Students

Turn coursework and research into career momentum.

  • Build a professional network early with industry leaders, researchers, and peers.
  • Gain visibility for by presenting at FILTCON and participating in the Student Poster Competition.
  • Strengthen your resume with conference participation and technical engagement.
  • Learn how filtration theory is applied across real-world industries.
  • Meet future employers by engaging with AFS members. 

Professors

Extend the reach and impact of your work.

  • Increase visibility for your research and research group.
  • Connect with industry leaders at FILTCON seeking academic collaboration and learn about funding opportunities.
  • Engage in a global community advancing filtration and separations technologies.
  • Help prepare your students for technical careers and professional participation.

Why Academia Chooses AFS

Research Presentation

Share your work through FILTCON technical sessions and poster presentations. 

Industry Collaboration

Meet companies at FILTCON looking for research partners.

Professional Networking

Build lasting relationships across academia and industry.

Career Development

Prepare students for technical careers.

Global Community

Join researchers and professionals around the world.

Publications

Publish and contribute technical knowledge.

From the Classroom to Industry and Beyond

AFS supports every step of our academic and professional journey – one membership, a career of opportunity:

Jon Rajala Headshot

“My journey with AFS began in grad school, presenting research at conferences as a newcomer to the industry. The connections I made at AFS events fueled my passion for filtration and my work. AFS excels in fostering collaboration between academia and industry, offering unmatched technical exchanges, networking, and training opportunities. I was honored to serve as the 2025 AFS board chair and hope to see you join our society!”

– Jon Rajala, PhD, Former AFS Chair

Continue Your Academic Journey

Publish

Stay Current

Receive member benefits publications International Filtration News and Filtration+Separation Magazine.

Connect Year-Round

Participate in local AFS chapters' meetups, webinars, and in-person seminars.

Expand Your Network

Engage in partner events like FiltXPO, attend future FILTCONs, and volunteer on an AFS committee

Ready to Join the Academic Community?

Whether you’re entering the field or mentoring the next generation, AFS membership grows with your career.

Students

$ 58 Annually
  • All the benefits of a Professional member.
  • Ability to enter FILTCON Student Poster Competition.
  • Priority review of abstract submissions.

Professors

$ 225 Annually
  • All the benefits of a Professional member.
  • Ability to apply for FILTCON Travel Awards.
  • Priority review of abstract submissions.

Flexible Membership Pricing

AFS offers pro-rated membership dues throughout the year, making it easy to join whenever the timing is right for you or your organization.

  • Join January-April: Pay full annual dues and enjoy a full year of benefits.
  • Join May-September: Receive 50% off annual dues while gaining immediate access to member resources, publications, training opportunities, and networking events.
  • Join October-December: Your membership investment is applied to the following year, and you’ll receive the remainder of the current year at no additional cost.

Dues are based on a calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31).

Universities Engaged with AFS

Don’t see your university represented? Reach out to us at [email protected], we would love to get your institution engaged.