Uncover the hidden potential of porous materials, from the microscale intricacies of aerogels to macro-scale applications in advanced engineering. This course explores the characterization, synthesis, modification, and handling of these fascinating materials, and why they are critical for sustainable energy, air and water pollution control, advanced filtration, and biomedical engineering. Engage in hands-on laboratory experiments, including permeability measurements and thermal insulation design challenges, to develop a deeper understanding of the structure–property relationships that govern their performance. Discover how researchers drive numerous innovations that contribute to addressing real-world challenges, from thermal management and environmental remediation to drug delivery and protective materials. By the end of the course, you will be asked to engineer a solution to an existing real-world problem by leveraging the unique attributes of porous materials. This is your opportunity to explore a cutting-edge area of materials science and engineering with far-reaching implications for the future.