UNIVERSIDADE DE SAO PAULO

Their core work

The University of São Paulo is Latin America's largest and most productive research university, contributing deep scientific expertise across marine ecology, cosmology, materials science, and environmental research to European consortia. In H2020, USP primarily serves as a non-EU partner bringing Southern Hemisphere data, field sites, and regional expertise — particularly for Atlantic Ocean research, Latin American climate and air quality studies, and South American archaeological investigations. Their contributions span from computational astrophysics and dynamical systems theory to applied work in photovoltaics, smart wound dressings, and aviation fuel technology.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015–2018), USP's engagement centred on social sciences, global health, and capacity building — projects like DiasporaLink (diaspora entrepreneurship), INCASI (social inequalities), and VSV-EBOPLUS (Ebola vaccine trials) defined their portfolio. From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward ocean science, environmental sustainability, and advanced materials — with major Atlantic marine ecosystem projects (iAtlantic, MISSION ATLANTIC, AtlantECO) and applied technology work in smart dressings, water treatment, and aviation fuels. This evolution reflects a move from predominantly MSCA mobility-driven participation toward substantive research contributions in environmental and materials domains.

USP is consolidating around Atlantic Ocean science and environmental sustainability, making them an increasingly valuable partner for EU missions on ocean health and climate adaptation.

How they like to work

USP has never coordinated an H2020 project — they exclusively join as a partner or third party, which is typical for non-EU institutions that cannot lead Framework Programme grants. With 485 unique consortium partners across 60 countries, they operate as a high-connectivity node linking European consortia to Latin American research infrastructure. Their dominant funding scheme is MSCA-RISE (16 projects), indicating that researcher exchange and mobility are their primary mode of engagement, though recent RIA participations suggest a shift toward deeper technical contributions.

USP has collaborated with 485 distinct partners across 60 countries, making them one of the most broadly connected non-EU participants in H2020. Their network spans all of Europe and Latin America, with particularly strong ties to institutions working on Atlantic marine science and environmental research.

What sets them apart

As Latin America's top-ranked university, USP offers something few European partners can: direct access to Southern Hemisphere field sites, tropical ecosystems, Amazon basin data, and South American archaeological records. Their 33-project H2020 portfolio is remarkably broad for a non-EU institution, demonstrating established trust and administrative capacity to handle EU grant requirements. For any consortium needing a credible Latin American partner with proven EU project experience, USP is a first-call institution.

Highlights from their portfolio

• MISSION ATLANTIC
  Largest single EC contribution to USP (EUR 526,980), focused on mapping Atlantic Ocean ecosystem health — their flagship marine science engagement.
• iAtlantic
  Major integrated Atlantic assessment project (EUR 248,809) combining deep-sea ecology, oceanography, and environmental DNA — positions USP in a growing EU ocean research cluster.
• VSV-EBOPLUS
  Ebola vaccine clinical trials project (EUR 306,250) — demonstrates USP's capacity in global health and systems vaccinology, distinct from their environmental portfolio.