RIJKSUNIVERSITEIT GRONINGEN

Their core work

The University of Groningen is a major Dutch research university with deep strengths in molecular life sciences, biocatalysis, and enzyme engineering — translating fundamental chemistry and biology into tools for drug discovery, sustainable industrial processes, and biotechnology. They run significant programs in computational biology, molecular motors, and materials science (including graphene and ferroelectrics), alongside strong social sciences work in education, disaster resilience, and responsible research. With 92 coordinated H2020 projects and over EUR 132M in EC funding, they function as both a top-tier fundamental research institution and a bridge between basic science and industrial application, particularly in bio-based chemistry and smart materials.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2014-2018), Groningen focused heavily on fundamental science infrastructure — ESFRI facilities, graphene, nanomedicine, and mathematical modelling — establishing itself as a core node in European research networks. By the later period (2019-2022), their focus shifted decisively toward applied molecular sciences: biocatalysis, directed evolution, molecular motors and switches, drug discovery, and systems chemistry gained prominence. Simultaneously, a new emphasis on open science, responsible research (RRI), digital humanities, and education emerged, reflecting the university's broadening engagement with societal impact beyond the lab.

Groningen is moving from fundamental science toward industrially relevant biocatalysis and enzyme engineering while simultaneously building capacity in open science governance — making them an increasingly attractive partner for projects that need both deep chemistry expertise and responsible innovation frameworks.

How they like to work

With 92 coordinated projects (40% of their portfolio), Groningen is a confident project leader that regularly takes the helm of both large consortia and focused ERC/MSCA grants. Their 1,776 unique partners across 63 countries indicate a hub-style collaborator — they build wide, diverse networks rather than relying on a small circle of repeat partners. This makes them easy to approach for new partnerships: they are experienced consortium builders who know how to manage multi-country projects and integrate new partners.

One of the most connected universities in H2020, with 1,776 unique consortium partners spanning 63 countries — a truly global network with natural strength across Europe but reaching well into Africa (AfricanBioServices), the Arctic (EU-PolarNet), and beyond.

What sets them apart

Groningen's distinguishing strength is the rare combination of world-class molecular sciences (particularly the biocatalysis-enzyme engineering-molecular motors triangle around Ben Feringa's Nobel Prize legacy) with strong computational and data science capabilities. Unlike many large research universities that spread thin across dozens of fields, Groningen has identifiable peaks of excellence that directly translate to industrial applications in pharma, green chemistry, and smart materials. Their willingness to coordinate large projects (40% coordinator rate) and their open-science commitment make them a low-friction, high-capability partner for both industry and academia.

Highlights from their portfolio

• COMP-MICR-CROW-MEM
  EUR 2.4M ERC grant coordinated by Groningen for computational microscopy of biological membranes — represents their strength at the intersection of computation and molecular biology.
• ROBOX
  EUR 1.06M coordinated project expanding industrial use of oxidative biocatalysts — a direct example of their biocatalysis expertise translating to industrial processes.
• HandsandBible
  EUR 1.48M coordinated project applying digital palaeography to Dead Sea Scrolls — shows unexpected depth in digital humanities and willingness to apply computational methods far beyond natural sciences.