UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE

Their core work

The University of the Western Cape is a South African public university in Cape Town with research strengths spanning renewable energy technologies, marine science, public health, and governance. In H2020, UWC contributed expertise in hydrogen storage and fuel cell systems, kesterite-based solar cell development, deep-sea marine ecosystem assessment, and comparative local government studies. Their role bridges African and European research communities, bringing Southern Hemisphere perspectives and field sites to international consortia. UWC also has a track record in biobanking infrastructure and bridging biomedical research between Africa and Europe.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

UWC's early H2020 involvement (2015-2016) centred on public health, biomedical infrastructure, and marine bioprospecting — topics where Africa-Europe collaboration is a natural fit. From 2017 onward, the university shifted toward clean energy technologies (hydrogen mobility, kesterite solar cells) and comparative governance research. This evolution suggests a deliberate move from health and life sciences toward energy transition and sustainability themes.

UWC is expanding into hydrogen and solar energy research, positioning itself as a Southern African partner for Europe's green energy transition projects.

How they like to work

UWC never coordinates H2020 projects — it joins as a participant or third-party partner, typically in large international consortia. With 126 unique partners across 41 countries, UWC operates as a broad networker rather than a hub loyal to a fixed set of collaborators. Five of its eight projects are MSCA-RISE staff exchanges, indicating that its primary mode of engagement is researcher mobility and knowledge transfer rather than heavy R&D delivery.

UWC has collaborated with 126 distinct partners across 41 countries, making it one of the more globally connected South African universities in H2020. Its network spans Europe, Africa, and beyond, with partnerships enabled primarily through MSCA-RISE mobility schemes.

What sets them apart

UWC's key differentiator is its position as a globally connected South African university that bridges African research contexts with European consortia. It brings Southern Hemisphere field sites, local expertise, and Africa-specific data to projects ranging from marine ecosystems to public health and governance. For consortium builders needing an African partner with proven EU project experience and broad thematic flexibility, UWC is a reliable choice.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SMART2D
  Largest single EC contribution to UWC (EUR 829,562), focused on community-based chronic disease prevention across multiple countries.
• iAtlantic
  Major Atlantic-scale marine ecosystem assessment running until 2024, connecting UWC to a large oceanographic research network.
• HYDRIDE4MOBILITY
  Positions UWC in hydrogen mobility research — a high-growth sector — through metal hydride storage and refuelling technology development.