Zhejiang University

Their core work

Zhejiang University is one of China's top research universities, serving as a key bridge between European and Chinese research communities across multiple disciplines. In H2020, they contribute deep expertise in food safety and mycotoxin management, biomaterials and tissue engineering, carbon capture technologies, and applied mathematics. Their role is consistently that of a knowledge partner bringing Chinese research capacity, testing environments, and market access into EU-led consortia — particularly valuable for projects requiring Sino-European validation or dual-market applicability.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), ZJU focused heavily on food safety — particularly mycotoxin detection in cereals, IPM methods, and feed additives — alongside initial forays into biomaterials and wireless networks. From 2019 onward, their portfolio diversified significantly toward carbon capture and climate technologies (BIOMASS-CCU, ConsenCUS), computational mechanics, geohazard resilience, and electric propulsion systems. The trajectory shows a clear broadening from a food-safety specialist into a multi-domain research partner with growing strength in energy transition and environmental engineering.

ZJU is expanding rapidly into decarbonization and climate adaptation research, making them an increasingly relevant partner for EU Green Deal projects needing Chinese research capacity and validation sites.

How they like to work

ZJU never coordinates H2020 projects — all 22 participations are as partner (13) or participant (9), reflecting their role as a non-EU third-country contributor rather than a consortium leader. They operate almost exclusively through MSCA-RISE staff exchange schemes (12 of 22 projects), which facilitate researcher mobility between Europe and China. With 359 unique partners across 46 countries, they are a highly connected hub — valuable for any consortium seeking established Chinese academic linkages.

ZJU has collaborated with 359 unique partners across 46 countries, giving them one of the widest networks among Chinese H2020 participants. Their connections span Western Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond — making them a natural gateway for EU projects requiring Chinese institutional partnerships.

What sets them apart

As a top-5 Chinese university with 22 H2020 projects, ZJU offers something most European partners cannot: direct access to Chinese research infrastructure, regulatory environments, and testing markets. Their strength in Sino-EU food safety comparison studies and industrial emission reduction makes them especially valuable for projects requiring parallel validation in both European and Chinese contexts. For consortium builders, ZJU brings credibility, scale, and an established track record of working within EU project frameworks — removing the uncertainty that often comes with first-time Chinese partners.

Highlights from their portfolio

• MycoKey
  Comprehensive mycotoxin management project across the full food and feed chain — showcases ZJU's deep food safety expertise with practical detection tool development.
• CHEERS
  Flagship Sino-EU emissions reduction project targeting petroleum refineries and industrial CO2 — directly connects ZJU's growing climate focus with Chinese heavy industry.
• BAMOS
  Interdisciplinary project combining additive manufacturing with biomaterials for osteoarthritis treatment — demonstrates ZJU's capacity in advanced materials and biomedical engineering.