Universidad Industrial de Santander

Their core work

Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) is a Colombian public university based in Bucaramanga that contributes research expertise in infectious disease data management, water treatment technologies, and high-performance computing policy. In H2020, they have supported international health data repositories for diseases like Zika, developed wastewater recycling systems for industrial use, and participated in EU-Latin America HPC coordination networks. Their role bridges Latin American research capacity with European consortia, particularly in health and environmental challenges relevant to tropical and developing regions.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

UIS began its H2020 engagement focused on infectious disease research — first with Zika virus prevention (ZIKAlliance, 2016) and then with health data repositories and governance (RECODID, 2019). From 2020 onward, their focus shifted toward environmental sustainability (wastewater recycling in Waste2Fresh) and digital infrastructure policy (HPC coordination in RISC2). This suggests a broadening from pure health research toward environmental engineering and science policy, reflecting growing Latin American engagement in EU research agendas beyond their traditional strengths.

UIS is diversifying from health-only into environmental technology and digital infrastructure coordination, positioning itself as a multi-disciplinary bridge between Europe and Latin America.

How they like to work

UIS participates exclusively as a partner — never as coordinator — joining large international consortia (95 unique partners across 31 countries from just 4 projects). This pattern is typical for a non-EU university contributing regional expertise or field data to European-led initiatives. They are a reliable consortium member who adds geographic and thematic diversity rather than driving project direction.

Despite only 4 projects, UIS has built a remarkably broad network of 95 partners across 31 countries, reflecting their participation in large-scale global health and coordination initiatives. Their reach spans Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia — well beyond typical EU-centric consortia.

What sets them apart

UIS is one of very few Colombian universities with an active H2020 track record, making them a rare gateway for consortia needing Latin American research partnerships. Their combination of tropical disease expertise, environmental engineering capability, and experience in EU-Latin America policy coordination is hard to find elsewhere. For any project requiring field sites, data, or expertise from the Andean region, UIS is a proven and trusted partner.

Highlights from their portfolio

• RECODID
  Largest single grant (EUR 499,881) — built integrated data repositories for infectious disease cohorts with emphasis on data governance and ethical frameworks.
• ZIKAlliance
  Major global health alliance for Zika virus control, reflecting UIS's frontline position in a region directly affected by the epidemic.
• Waste2Fresh
  Marked a pivot into environmental technology — EUR 402,500 for developing closed-loop wastewater recycling in textile manufacturing.