IVANE JAVAKHISHVILI TBILISI STATE UNIVERSITY

Their core work

Tbilisi State University is Georgia's oldest and largest university, contributing to EU research primarily through Black Sea marine science and applied mathematics. In H2020, they supported pan-European marine data infrastructure, coordinated Black Sea blue growth strategies, and developed advanced mathematical factorisation techniques with applications in biomechanics and environmental engineering. They also contributed to conflict prevention research, reflecting Georgia's geopolitical context.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

TSU's early H2020 involvement (2015-2016) was broad and exploratory — conflict prevention research and marine data infrastructure with no strong thematic cluster. From 2019 onward, a clear Black Sea focus emerged: blue growth strategy, marine innovation, ecosystem resilience, and capacity building. In parallel, they entered applied mathematics through EffectFact (2021), suggesting a dual trajectory toward both regional marine leadership and fundamental mathematical research.

TSU is consolidating as a go-to Georgian partner for Black Sea marine and environmental research, while building a secondary line in applied mathematical methods.

How they like to work

TSU has participated exclusively as a partner, never coordinating an H2020 project. With 122 unique consortium partners across 35 countries from just 5 projects, they join large, well-connected consortia rather than leading small focused teams. This makes them an accessible and experienced partner for consortium builders who need a reliable Georgian or South Caucasus node.

Remarkably broad network for a modest portfolio: 122 unique partners across 35 countries, driven by participation in large CSA and RIA consortia. Their geographic reach reflects strong ties across Europe and the wider Black Sea region.

What sets them apart

TSU is the leading Georgian university in EU framework programmes, offering a direct gateway to the South Caucasus research ecosystem. Their deep involvement in Black Sea research gives them on-the-ground knowledge of a strategically important and under-represented maritime region. For any consortium needing a credible Georgian partner with proven EU project experience, TSU is effectively the default choice.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Black Sea CONNECT
  Strategic coordination project shaping the research and innovation agenda for the entire Black Sea basin.
• BRIDGE-BS
  Largest single grant (EUR 189,000) and most thematically rich — combines ecosystem science with start-up capacity building in the Black Sea region.
• EffectFact
  Unexpected pivot into pure and applied mathematics (Wiener-Hopf techniques), with cross-disciplinary applications in biomechanics and geomechanics.