COFAC COOPERATIVA DE FORMACAO E ANIMACAO CULTURAL CRL

Their core work

Universidade Lusófona is a major Portuguese private university based in Lisbon, operating through its cooperative structure (COFAC). In H2020, they contribute applied research spanning urban resilience, advanced nanomaterials, phytochemical applications for neurodegenerative disease prevention, and film/media arts innovation. Their work bridges the gap between social sciences (urban design, public engagement, climate adaptation) and hard sciences (materials engineering, bioactive compounds), making them a versatile academic partner with both humanities and STEM capacity.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), ULusofona focused on broad societal topics — ocean sustainability, urban transport resilience, and indoor air quality through nanomaterials — largely as a project participant. From 2019 onward, they shifted decisively into coordinating roles and developed two distinct research threads: climate-adaptive urban design (waterfronts, heritage, public space) and bio-nanomaterials for health applications (phytochemicals against neurodegenerative diseases). Their largest and most recent project, FILMEU_RIT, signals an additional push into creative industries and arts-based research.

ULusofona is expanding from environmental and urban research into health-oriented nanomaterials and creative industries, positioning itself as a multidisciplinary university that can bridge STEM and arts in EU consortia.

How they like to work

ULusofona has transitioned from participant to consortium leader — 4 of their 7 projects are coordinated by them, with all coordination roles coming in 2019 or later. They work in broad consortia (70 unique partners across 26 countries), suggesting they are comfortable managing large, diverse partnerships. Their MSCA-RISE dominance (4 projects) indicates strong experience in international researcher exchange and mobility networks.

ULusofona has built a wide network of 70 unique partners across 26 countries, indicating strong pan-European and international reach well beyond their Portuguese base. Their MSCA-RISE participation means many of these connections involve researcher exchange and mobility, creating deep interpersonal ties rather than just contractual relationships.

What sets them apart

ULusofona is unusually multidisciplinary for a single institution — spanning urban climate adaptation, nanomaterials for health, and film/media arts within the same H2020 portfolio. This breadth is rare and valuable for consortium builders who need a partner that can cover both STEM research and social/creative dimensions. Their strong MSCA-RISE track record also makes them an experienced host for international researcher mobility programs.

Highlights from their portfolio

• FILMEU_RIT
  Their largest project by far (EUR 617K), coordinated by ULusofona, focused on research and innovation transformation across European film schools — a distinctive niche in H2020.
• PhytoAPP
  Tackles Alzheimer's and Parkinson's prevention through phytochemical nanomaterial inhibitors — an ambitious health application combining their materials science and bioactivity expertise.
• sosclimatewaterfront
  Demonstrates their ability to coordinate interdisciplinary research linking urban design, climate change adaptation, heritage preservation, and citizen co-creation around European waterfronts.