China's leading research university contributing to EU projects in science diplomacy, environmental science, photocatalysis, and applied mathematics.
Peking University (PKU) is one of China's top research universities, engaging in H2020 projects primarily as a non-European partner bringing expertise in environmental science, applied mathematics, science diplomacy, and photocatalysis. Within EU frameworks, PKU contributes domain knowledge on Chinese ecosystems (e.g., wetland carbon emissions), global governance perspectives, and advanced mathematical techniques for engineering applications. Their participation reflects China's role as a strategic research partner in globally-scoped European projects, particularly in areas requiring cross-continental data and policy perspectives.
NEWORLDatA (science diplomacy and international data management), GLOBE (global governance), and K.I.T.F.E.M. (knowledge flows from emerging markets) all center on transnational research policy.
WetCarb focused on wetland CO2 and CH4 emissions in China, while EdiCitNet addresses urban sustainability and edible city solutions.
EffectFact develops Wiener-Hopf and Riemann-Hilbert techniques with applications in biomechanics, medicine, and geomechanics.
NEFERTITI integrates photocatalysts in flow reactors for direct CO2 and H2O conversion to solar ethanol.
EPN-2024-RI provides access to planetary science research infrastructure including data archiving and instrumentation.
In the early period (2015–2019), PKU focused on environmental science — particularly Chinese wetland carbon cycles — and academic mobility through fellowship programs at European institutions like LMU Munich. From 2020 onward, the focus shifted markedly toward science diplomacy, planetary science infrastructure, photocatalytic energy conversion, and applied mathematical methods for engineering. This evolution shows a move from bilateral researcher exchange toward deeper substantive contributions in global governance, hard sciences, and energy technology.
PKU is positioning itself as a bridge between European and Chinese research ecosystems, increasingly contributing to global governance debates and clean energy technologies rather than purely environmental monitoring.
PKU never coordinates H2020 projects — all 9 participations are as partner or third party, consistent with its role as a non-EU institution joining European-led consortia. With 189 unique partners across 46 countries, PKU connects to exceptionally large, diverse consortia rather than small focused teams. This makes them a reliable international contributor who brings the China perspective without seeking to control project direction.
PKU has collaborated with 189 unique partners across 46 countries, making it one of the most broadly networked non-EU participants in H2020. Their reach spans Europe, Asia, and beyond, reflecting their role in large, globally-scoped research consortia.
As China's most internationally engaged research university in H2020, PKU offers something few other partners can: direct access to Chinese research ecosystems, data, and policy perspectives. For any consortium needing a credible Chinese partner — whether for environmental data from Chinese ecosystems, science diplomacy expertise, or bridging EU-China research cooperation — PKU is an established and proven choice. Their breadth across disciplines (from carbon science to applied maths to photocatalysis) makes them versatile for multi-sector projects.
