The GRC "Membranes: Materials and Processes" is an interdisciplinary meeting that has gained significant international recognition, attracting leading experts on membranes and related areas from around the world. The 2014 GRC will maintain the past tradition to include an ambitious Bio-Mimetic theme to fundamentally change how engineering membranes operate at a fundamental level. Discussions will revolve around cutting edge developments in membrane science from an understanding of the mechanisms within protein channels, responsive nm-scale architectures, materials synthesis, surface modification, and viable scalability routes. This meeting will also focus on cutting-edge innovations in traditional membrane application areas of energy, water, environment and health care with discussions geared to the futuristic application of new concepts to successful platforms and identification of key challenges. As usual, the informal nature of the meeting, excellent quality of the oral presentations and posters, and ample opportunity to meet many outstanding colleagues make this an excellent conference for established scientists as well as for students. A Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on the weekend prior to the GRC meeting, with a primary theme about the remarkably broad applications of membranes, will provide young researchers an opportunity to present their work and network with outstanding experts. It will also be a warm-up for the young scientist to actively participate in main conference and enjoy the full benefits of the GRC tradition.