NANJING UNIVERSITY

Their core work

Nanjing University is a major Chinese research university that contributes China-based field expertise and laboratory capabilities to European research consortia. Their H2020 involvement centers on environmental science — particularly water treatment, bioremediation, and the impact of plastics in agriculture. They provide access to Chinese field sites, experimental data, and scientific capacity in areas where China's scale and environmental challenges make it an essential research context. As a non-EU partner, they typically join projects to extend European research into Asian conditions and markets.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015-2018), Nanjing University's H2020 participation was diverse and exploratory — spanning mathematical computing (MIXMAX) and water management (MADFORWATER) with no clear thematic focus. From 2019 onward, their involvement sharpened decisively toward environmental remediation and plastic pollution, with both ELECTRA and PAPILLONS centering on contaminant behavior in soil and water systems. This shift reflects a deliberate move toward applied environmental science where China's agricultural scale provides uniquely valuable research conditions.

NJU is consolidating around plastic pollution and bioremediation — expect future contributions focused on agricultural contaminants and field-scale environmental experiments in China.

How they like to work

Nanjing University never coordinates H2020 projects, consistently joining as a partner, participant, or international third party — the expected role for a non-EU institution. With 85 unique partners across 26 countries, they connect to a wide network without repeat partnerships, suggesting they are recruited for specific expertise rather than operating within a fixed European circle. This makes them an accessible partner for new consortia needing a credible Chinese research node.

Despite only 5 projects, NJU has connected with 85 unique partners across 26 countries, indicating participation in large, multi-partner consortia. Their network spans broadly across Europe with the added value of being a bridge to Chinese research infrastructure.

What sets them apart

Nanjing University's distinct value in European consortia is providing access to China — its field sites, agricultural systems, and environmental challenges at a scale not replicable in Europe. For projects studying pollution, water, or agricultural sustainability, having a top-tier Chinese university as a partner adds both scientific credibility and real-world testing grounds. Few Chinese institutions have NJU's breadth of H2020 experience across environmental topics.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PAPILLONS
  Addresses the urgent and growing issue of micro- and nano-plastic contamination in agricultural soils — a topic with direct regulatory and industry implications.
• ELECTRA
  Combines bio-electrochemistry with 3D-printed biofilms and nanoparticles for bioremediation — NJU contributed China-based field experiments, demonstrating real-world applicability.