MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY

Their core work

Macquarie University is a major Australian research university in Sydney that contributes specialist expertise to European research networks through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme. Their H2020 involvement spans remarkably diverse fields — from computational geophysics and biomass gasification to neurolinguistics, neuroaesthetics, and ancient Near Eastern trade history. They serve as a third-party host institution for international researcher mobility, providing access to Australian research infrastructure and cross-continental collaboration. Their role is consistently that of a knowledge partner enabling global researcher exchange rather than a project driver.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Early H2020 participation (2016–2018) centred on computational methods — earth exploration, finite element simulation, and advanced numerical modelling (MATHROCKS). From 2019 onward, the portfolio diversified sharply into life sciences (aphasia research, neuroaesthetics, interoception), green energy (biomass gasification, carbon capture), and humanities (ancient Persian Gulf trade). This shift reflects the university's broad disciplinary base being progressively tapped by different European research groups through MSCA mobility schemes, rather than a deliberate strategic pivot.

Macquarie's recent projects skew toward brain science and sustainability, suggesting future European collaborators will most likely find willing partners in cognitive neuroscience and clean energy catalysis.

How they like to work

Macquarie University participates exclusively as a third-party partner, never leading or coordinating H2020 projects. Across 7 projects they have connected with 34 unique partners in 16 countries, indicating they function as a globally networked host institution rather than a consortium builder. Their consistent presence in MSCA individual fellowships and RISE exchanges means they are best approached as a destination for researcher mobility and secondments rather than as a consortium co-applicant.

With 34 unique consortium partners across 16 countries, Macquarie has a wide but shallow European network — many connections but no deep repeat partnerships visible in the data. Their reach spans well beyond Europe into a genuinely global footprint reflecting Australia's position as a researcher exchange destination.

What sets them apart

As one of few Australian universities consistently engaged in H2020 MSCA schemes, Macquarie offers European consortia a non-European research base with strong capabilities in cognitive neuroscience, computational methods, and interdisciplinary humanities. Their value lies in providing intercontinental researcher mobility — sending and hosting fellows between Australia and Europe. For consortium builders, partnering with Macquarie adds genuine geographic diversity and access to the Australian research ecosystem, which can strengthen global fellowship and RISE proposals.

Highlights from their portfolio

• InteroceptionAction
  Combines neuroaesthetics with interoception and MEG neuroimaging — an unusual interdisciplinary blend of body awareness, movement science, and brain imaging.
• BIOMASS-CCU
  Addresses negative carbon emissions through biomass gasification and CO2 utilisation — directly relevant to climate technology and the most commercially applicable project in their portfolio.
• TRADElam
  Investigates ancient Elamite maritime trade in the Persian Gulf — a highly specialised humanities topic that highlights the university's breadth beyond STEM disciplines.