UNIVERSIDAD SAN FRANCISCO DE QUITO

Their core work

USFQ is a private university in Quito, Ecuador, that brings Latin American research perspectives into European consortium projects. Their H2020 involvement spans three distinct scientific domains: biomedical research on liver cancer biomarkers, biodiversity and freshwater ecosystem conservation, and spintronics-based nanotechnology for sensing applications. They serve as a non-European partner providing access to Andean and Latin American populations, ecosystems, and research networks that European projects need for global relevance.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

USFQ's early H2020 involvement (2016–2019) centered on human health — first through indigenous medicine in Andean populations, then through a European-Latin American liver cancer biomarker network. From 2020 onward, their focus diversified sharply into environmental science (drying river networks, biodiversity conservation) and physics-based nanotechnology (spintronics, magneto-thermal sensors). This suggests the university is broadening its European research partnerships well beyond its initial biomedical entry point.

USFQ is expanding from a health-only EU partner into a multi-disciplinary contributor, suggesting growing institutional capacity and appetite for diverse international collaborations.

How they like to work

USFQ has never coordinated an H2020 project — they join as a participant or third-party partner, which is typical for non-EU universities accessing Framework Programme funding. They have worked with 51 unique partners across 21 countries, indicating they plug into large, geographically diverse consortia rather than leading small teams. For consortium builders, this means USFQ is an experienced partner comfortable operating within large international networks, particularly where Latin American data or field access is needed.

USFQ has connected with 51 partners across 21 countries through just 4 projects, reflecting participation in large multinational consortia. Their network spans Europe and Latin America, positioning them as a bridge between the two regions.

What sets them apart

USFQ is one of very few Ecuadorian universities active in H2020, making them a rare gateway to Andean and Latin American research contexts. Their involvement across health, environment, and nanotechnology shows unusual disciplinary breadth for a non-EU partner. For any consortium needing a credible Latin American academic partner with proven EU project experience, USFQ is a strong candidate.

Highlights from their portfolio

• DRYvER
  Largest single EC contribution to USFQ (EUR 84,818), addressing the globally important topic of biodiversity loss in drying freshwater ecosystems under climate change.
• ESCALON
  Largest funded project (EUR 166,500) building a European-Latin American biomarker network for liver cancer — a disease with high incidence in Latin America.
• ULTIMATE-I
  Represents a surprising pivot into spintronics and nanotechnology sensing, signaling new physics research capacity at the university.