NANKAI UNIVERSITY

Their core work

Nankai University is a major Chinese research university contributing specialized expertise in photocatalysis and solar-driven chemical conversion to European research consortia. Their H2020 work centers on converting CO2 into useful chemicals (methanol, ethylene, polymers) using sunlight — a critical challenge for green chemistry and sustainable energy. They also bring ecological research capacity, participating in large-scale European biodiversity monitoring of wild pollinators. As a non-EU partner, they provide international perspective and access to Chinese research infrastructure in photonics and catalysis.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Nankai's early H2020 involvement (2016–2020) focused on photonics training and mobility, suggesting an initial role as a host institution for researcher exchange. From 2020 onward, their participation shifted decisively toward applied photocatalysis — two consecutive projects on solar-driven CO2 conversion to fuels and chemicals. A surprising addition in 2021 was biodiversity research (Safeguard), suggesting either a broader institutional portfolio or a distinct research group entering the EU framework independently.

Nankai is consolidating around solar-driven catalysis for green chemicals, making them a strong candidate for future projects on artificial photosynthesis, green hydrogen, or carbon capture utilization.

How they like to work

Nankai University never coordinates H2020 projects — they join as a participant or third party, which is typical for non-EU organizations in Horizon 2020. With 93 unique partners across 30 countries from just 4 projects, they operate in large consortia (likely 20+ partners per project). This means they are experienced at contributing specialized expertise within complex international teams, but prospective partners should not expect them to take on project management or administrative lead roles.

Despite only 4 projects, Nankai has connected with 93 partners across 30 countries — a remarkably broad network driven by participation in large-scale RIA consortia. Their reach spans all of Europe plus international partners, with no single geographic concentration.

What sets them apart

As a top-tier Chinese university, Nankai offers something rare in H2020 consortia: direct access to China's massive investment in photocatalysis and solar fuel research. Their repeated focus on CO2-to-chemical conversion via photocatalysis shows deep bench strength in this specific niche. For consortium builders, they bring international credibility and complementary research infrastructure that strengthens proposals requiring global cooperation on climate-relevant chemistry.

Highlights from their portfolio

• METHASOL
  Directly targets methanol production from CO2 and sunlight — a commercially relevant process with clear industrial applications in green fuels.
• Safeguard
  A large-scale pollinator conservation project running until 2026, representing an unexpected diversification into environmental policy and biodiversity for a university known for chemistry.
• SUN2CHEM
  Addresses the full chain from solar energy capture to chemical product (ethylene, polymers, fuel), combining photoelectrochemistry with photocatalysis.