UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL PAULISTA JULIO DE MESQUITA FILHO

Their core work

UNESP is a major Brazilian public university contributing specialist expertise to European research consortia in photonics, satellite navigation, and sustainable aquaculture. Their H2020 involvement centers on advanced optical materials (functional glass, specialty fibers, laser processing), GNSS-based remote sensing for environmental monitoring, and low-trophic aquaculture species in the Atlantic. As a non-EU partner, they bring complementary capabilities in areas where Brazil offers unique geographic or scientific advantages — particularly Atlantic Ocean research and advanced glass science.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

UNESP's early H2020 work (2015–2017) was firmly rooted in satellite navigation and remote sensing — GNSS reflectometry, UAV-based biomass mapping, and Galileo receiver technology. From 2019 onward, their focus shifted dramatically toward materials science (functional glass, laser processing, optical sensors) and marine aquaculture (Atlantic low-trophic species, IMTA systems). This pivot suggests a broadening from a single engineering discipline into two quite distinct applied science domains.

UNESP is diversifying from navigation engineering into photonics and blue economy research, making them relevant to a wider range of future consortia.

How they like to work

UNESP has never coordinated an H2020 project, participating as a partner or third party — typical for non-EU organizations that contribute specialist knowledge to European-led consortia. With 82 unique partners across 26 countries from just 5 projects, they operate in large, internationally diverse consortia rather than small focused teams. This broad network suggests they are valued for specific technical contributions rather than strategic project leadership.

Despite only 5 projects, UNESP has built a remarkably wide network of 82 partners spanning 26 countries, reflecting participation in large multi-national consortia. As a Brazilian institution, they serve as a key bridge for EU-Latin America research collaboration.

What sets them apart

As a large Brazilian public university, UNESP offers European consortia something most EU partners cannot: direct access to Atlantic-South research infrastructure, Brazilian scientific talent, and a foothold for EU-Brazil cooperation agendas like the Belém Statement. Their combination of photonics expertise and marine biology is unusual and hard to replicate. For any consortium needing a credible non-EU partner with strong technical depth, UNESP is a proven choice with an established track record in H2020.

Highlights from their portfolio

• FUNGLASS
  A major research training network on functional glass — positions UNESP as an international reference in advanced optical materials and laser processing.
• AquaVitae
  Large-scale Atlantic aquaculture project (EUR 192,380 to UNESP) focused on new species and sustainable production — their only project with direct EC funding recorded.
• COREGAL
  Innovative combination of Galileo satellite reflectometry with UAV technology for forest biomass mapping — an unusual cross-domain application.