DEAKIN UNIVERSITY

Their core work

Deakin University is a major Australian research university contributing to European projects primarily through materials science (electrochemistry, ionic liquids, solid-state batteries), public health (diabetes prevention, obesity), and social science (religion governance, radicalization). Their H2020 involvement is exclusively as a participant or third-party partner, bringing non-European perspectives and specialized research capabilities to large international consortia. Their work spans from IoT and smart city systems to advanced battery materials and health behavior change interventions.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the earlier phase (2016–2018), Deakin's involvement centered on digital systems (IoT, smart cities, interoperability) and social sciences (responsible trade, religion and radicalization governance). From 2019 onward, the focus shifted decisively toward materials science — specifically electrochemistry, ionic liquids, biopolymers, and solid-state battery technologies — alongside health interventions like diabetes prevention and mHealth. This represents a clear pivot from broad societal topics toward hard science with direct industrial applications.

Deakin is consolidating around advanced energy storage materials (solid-state batteries, ionic liquids), making them an increasingly relevant partner for next-generation battery and electrochemistry projects.

How they like to work

Deakin has never coordinated an H2020 project — they join as participant (5 projects) or third-party partner (4 projects), contributing specialized expertise to consortia led by European institutions. With 87 unique partners across 33 countries, they operate as a broadly networked but non-leading contributor. Their role as an Australian institution in European programmes means they typically bring complementary non-EU perspectives and research capacity rather than driving project direction.

Deakin has collaborated with 87 unique partners across 33 countries, reflecting an exceptionally wide geographic network for a non-European institution. This breadth suggests they are a trusted partner for adding global reach to European consortia.

What sets them apart

As an Australian university active in H2020, Deakin offers what few European partners can: a bridge to the Asia-Pacific research ecosystem. Their growing strength in battery materials and electrochemistry — backed by three dedicated projects — gives them a focused technical edge in energy storage. For consortium builders needing a credible non-EU partner with materials science or public health expertise, Deakin is a proven, low-risk choice with extensive experience navigating European project frameworks.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ROCHE
  Most recent project (2022–2025) on solid-state batteries using ionic liquids and metal-organic frameworks — represents Deakin's current research frontier.
• IMPACT DIABETES B2B
  Longest-running project (2020–2025) combining mHealth technology with diabetes prevention, showing sustained commitment to digital health.
• GREASE
  Unusual cross-continental study of radicalization and religion governance bridging European and Asian perspectives — demonstrates Deakin's social science breadth.