NATIONAL COUNCIL OF UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ADMINISTRATORS

Their core work

NCURA is the leading US professional association for university research administrators, representing thousands of institutions involved in managing sponsored research programs. Within H2020, they serve as a US-side bridge organization facilitating EU-US science and technology cooperation — helping European researchers, startups, and SMEs access American markets, networks, and research institutions. Their practical role centers on connecting European innovation ecosystems with US counterparts through structured programs, training events, and business development support.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

NCURA's H2020 involvement shows a clear progression from broad bilateral STI policy coordination (BILAT USA 4.0, starting 2016) toward more operational, business-oriented EU-US innovation support. The later projects (NearUS, ENRICH in the USA) increasingly emphasize practical services: helping deep-tech startups, SMEs, and research teams actually land in the US market rather than just mapping cooperation frameworks. By 2021, the focus had sharpened specifically around the ENRICH network model — permanent centres in the US providing hands-on business development and market entry support.

NCURA is moving from policy-level cooperation toward hands-on support for European deep-tech companies seeking US market entry, making them increasingly relevant for commercially minded EU projects.

How they like to work

NCURA consistently participates as a partner rather than a coordinator, contributing US-side expertise and networks to European-led consortia. With 22 unique partners across 11 countries in just 3 projects, they operate in large, internationally diverse consortia — typical for Coordination and Support Actions focused on international cooperation. Their value lies in being the trusted US gateway organization that European consortia repeatedly turn to when they need credible American institutional backing.

Despite only 3 projects, NCURA has connected with 22 different partners across 11 countries, reflecting the broad multinational consortia typical of EU-US cooperation actions. Their network spans both EU member states and associated countries, with NCURA serving as the key US-based node.

What sets them apart

NCURA is one of very few US-based organizations participating in H2020, and arguably the most authoritative voice on American university research administration. For any EU consortium needing a credible US partner with deep institutional networks across American universities, NCURA is a natural choice. Their membership base of thousands of US research institutions gives them unmatched reach into the American academic and innovation ecosystem.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ENRICH in the USA
  The most recent and operationally focused project, establishing a permanent European network hub in the US for deep-tech startup support and business development.
• BILAT USA 4.0
  The largest funded project (EUR 148,906) and the foundational EU-US bilateral cooperation action that preceded the more targeted later initiatives.