UNIVERSIDAD DE LA HABANA

Their core work

The University of Havana is Cuba's oldest and most prominent university, contributing specialized research expertise to European collaboration networks through MSCA-RISE staff exchange programs. Their researchers span a remarkably broad scientific base — from computational biology and mathematical modeling of molecular networks, to materials science for water treatment, to accelerator physics and light source theory. As a third-country partner in all their H2020 projects, they provide complementary expertise and host visiting European researchers, particularly in areas where Cuban scientific traditions are strong: mathematical physics, chemistry, and social sciences.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 participation (2017), the university engaged in social sciences and art-based research (trans-making) alongside computational biology and molecular network modeling (INFERNET). From 2018 onward, their involvement shifted decisively toward applied physical sciences and materials engineering — nanomedicine, environmental water treatment, and accelerator physics. This trajectory shows a move from theoretical and social research toward application-oriented science with clearer industrial relevance.

Moving toward materials science and environmental applications, making them an increasingly relevant partner for applied chemistry and nanotechnology consortia seeking non-EU collaboration.

How they like to work

The University of Havana participates exclusively as a third-party partner through MSCA-RISE staff exchange schemes, meaning they host visiting researchers and send their own staff to European partner institutions. With 50 unique consortium partners across 23 countries from just 5 projects, they sit within large, geographically diverse networks. This pattern indicates an institution valued for its specific research contributions within broad international collaborations rather than one that drives project design or coordination.

Connected to 50 partners across 23 countries through MSCA-RISE mobility networks, giving them an unusually wide geographic reach for a Caribbean institution. Their partnerships span Western Europe, reflecting strong historical academic ties particularly in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

What sets them apart

As Cuba's leading university, they offer a rare non-EU third-country partnership option with genuine research depth in mathematical sciences, materials chemistry, and physics. Their broad disciplinary range — from social art research to accelerator physics — is unusual and reflects a comprehensive university with strong foundational science. For consortium builders, they provide access to Cuban research talent and a Latin American network node that few European partners can offer.

Highlights from their portfolio

• INFERNET
  Combines mathematical modeling with systems biology at molecular scale — reflects the university's strength in theoretical and computational approaches to complex biological problems.
• RECOPHARMA
  Directly addresses the global pharmaceutical water pollution challenge with novel membrane materials, representing their most application-oriented and environmentally relevant project.
• N-LIGHT
  Work on crystalline undulators and novel radiation sources connects to fundamental physics infrastructure — a topic where few non-EU institutions contribute at this level.