DREXEL UNIVERSITY

Their core work

Drexel University is a major US research university in Philadelphia with strong materials science capabilities, particularly in advanced 2D nanomaterials like MXenes and graphene-based composites. In H2020, they contribute expertise in functional nanomaterials, biosensor development, and polymer composite engineering. Their work spans from fundamental materials characterization to applied health diagnostics, including saliva-based biosensors and skin-immune interaction studies of new nanomaterials.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Drexel's early H2020 involvement (2016-2017) was diverse and unfocused, spanning mental health policy (MINDMAP) and nuclear cladding materials (IL TROVATORE) with no clear thematic thread. From 2018 onward, a sharp pivot is visible: three consecutive projects center on 2D nanomaterials — MXenes and graphene — applied to composites, biosensors, and toxicology. This convergence suggests Drexel consolidated around its MXene research strength, which is consistent with the university's well-known Drexel Nanomaterials Institute.

Drexel is deepening its MXene specialization and moving from pure materials development toward biological applications and safety assessment — expect future work at the nanomaterials-health interface.

How they like to work

Drexel has never coordinated an H2020 project, participating exclusively as a partner or third party — typical for a non-EU institution accessing the programme through international cooperation mechanisms. Three of their five projects are as a third party (partner), suggesting they are often brought in for specific expertise rather than shaping project direction. With 61 unique partners across 22 countries from just 5 projects, they plug into large, diverse consortia and bring transatlantic reach.

Despite only 5 projects, Drexel has collaborated with 61 unique partners across 22 countries, reflecting participation in large international consortia. As a US-based institution, they provide a valuable transatlantic bridge for European projects seeking American research capabilities.

What sets them apart

Drexel is one of the leading global centers for MXene research — a class of 2D materials they helped pioneer. For European consortia, partnering with Drexel provides access to frontier nanomaterials expertise that few EU institutions can match, plus a direct link to the US research ecosystem. Their progression from materials synthesis to biological applications and nanotoxicology makes them a versatile partner for projects that need to bridge materials science and health.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SEE
  Maps skin-immune interactions of MXenes — positions Drexel at the frontier of nanosafety for the very materials they specialize in, signaling maturity of their MXene research.
• MINDMAP
  Largest EC funding (EUR 399,720) and their only health-policy project — an outlier that shows breadth beyond materials science.
• NANO2DAY
  Core materials science project on MXene/graphene polymer composites — most representative of Drexel's primary expertise and international collaboration model.