SZEGEDI TUDOMANYEGYETEM

Their core work

The University of Szeged is a major Hungarian research university with deep strengths in photoelectrochemistry, solar fuel production, evolutionary game theory, and laser sciences. They develop nanostructured electrode materials for converting CO2 into useful fuels, build mathematical models of evolutionary dynamics on networks, and contribute to European laser and food metrology research infrastructures. Their applied work spans from cardiac repair using artificial muscle materials to pandemic preparedness and personalized medicine in intensive care settings.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015-2018), the university focused on molecular medicine capacity building, teacher education, social policy, and foundational work in evolutionary game theory. From 2019 onward, their portfolio shifted decisively toward solar chemistry and photoelectrochemistry — with four projects on CO2 conversion and solar fuels — alongside laser photonics, pandemic-related health research, and applied mathematical biology. The coordination of two solar fuel projects signals this as a strategic priority area where they have built genuine leadership.

Szeged is consolidating around solar-driven CO2 conversion and flow photochemistry, positioning itself as a go-to partner for green chemistry and sustainable fuel projects in future EU programmes.

How they like to work

Primarily a consortium participant (24 of 28 projects), but their three coordinator roles — all in photoelectrochemistry — show they lead where they have the strongest expertise. With 342 unique partners across 39 countries, they maintain an exceptionally wide network for a Central European university. This broad but non-dominant profile makes them a flexible, well-connected partner who brings specialized capabilities without competing for consortium leadership.

342 unique consortium partners across 39 countries represent a remarkably wide network, spanning well beyond the typical Central European cluster into Western Europe and globally. Their infrastructure project participation (LASERLAB-EUROPE, METROFOOD-RI) connects them to pan-European facility networks.

What sets them apart

Szeged offers a rare combination: deep electrochemistry and materials science for solar fuels alongside rigorous mathematical biology — two fields that rarely coexist at one institution. Their EMBL-partnered molecular medicine center (HCEMM) gives them access to world-class life science infrastructure unusual for Hungary. For consortium builders, they provide strong scientific contribution at Central European cost levels, with proven reliability across 28 H2020 projects.

Highlights from their portfolio

• HybridSolarFuels
  Their largest project (EUR 1.5M ERC Starting Grant) and a coordinator role — demonstrates independent research leadership in photoelectrochemical CO2 conversion to fuels.
• HCEMM
  A long-running Teaming project (2017-2025, EUR 438K to Szeged) establishing Hungary's molecular medicine center in partnership with EMBL — a transformative institutional capacity investment.
• EvoGamesPlus
  A Marie Curie training network applying evolutionary game theory to real-world problems including mathematical oncology and epidemiology — showing their theoretical math translating into applied impact.