Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet MOvE-ECG (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding how genes and genetic variants influence heart function is of major importance, not only from a basic science viewpoint, but also as a foundation for future innovation in medicine and health-care. In this proposal, Dr. Niek Verweij aims to identify novel genes and mechanisms underlying heart growth. This will be done in collaboration with the top-scientist Dr. Chris Newton-Cheh (Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT) and Dr. Laurie Boyer (MIT). As heart growth accompanies many forms of heart disease, this project will focus on the QRS-complex (of the electrocardiogram) in population based studies as this reflects electrically active cardiac mass. We will search for novel low-frequency genetic variants associated with the QRS-complex within the CHARGE consortium and within a Dutch population using dedicated reference panels. Loci will be interrogated through the use of published and unpublished in silico big-data sets to further prioritize variants and regions for experimental follow-up aimed at elucidating biological mechanisms. This project will bridge the gap between population based genetic association studies (with Dr. Newton-Cheh) to functional biology (with Dr. Laurie Boyer). This proposal will provide novel insights into cardiomyocyte functioning and provide novel avenues to study heart disease vulnerability and design innovative treatment.


Participants :
- The general hospital corporation (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Autres, subvention : 0.0 €
- University Medical Center Groningen (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 196380.9 €
Projet MIRed Streak (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding matter on its fastest timescales is of major interest in order to answer fundamental questions in physics, chemistry and biology. With the advent of attosecond pulses (1as=10^-18s), atoms, molecules and solids can be deeply excited in a quasi-instantaneous manner leading to ultrafast processes. While electrons can respond to the excitation in only a few-10as to a few tens of femtoseconds (fs), nuclear motions take place in a few-fs to picoseconds (ps). The real challenge is how to probe those dynamics when they are strongly coupled. Attosecond streaking (one attosecond pulse to excite the system, one infrared fs pulse to probe the dynamics) is the most accurate temporal metrology ever implemented. Sub-10as delays have been measured with the accuracy of only a few attoseconds. However, the window of observation is limited to the half optical period of the probe pulse and only dynamics on the fs-timescale can be time-resolved. On the other hand, using a terahertz field as a probe offers a wider window of observation of the ps, but with a low resolution of ~10fs. Unfortunately, vibronic dynamics in which nuclear and electronic motions are strongly coupled occur on an intermediate timescale of a few-fs. The objective of the MIRed Streak project is to develop an intense source of mid-infrared pulses (MIR, wavelength between 5 and 20 microns) to follow the couplings of electron and nuclei dynamics in polyatomic molecules over several 10fs with sub-100as accuracy. This project will provide a powerful novel tool to access a nonesuch insight of ultrafast processes in matter. After studying vibronic dynamics in simple molecules and probing isotopic and mass effects, the long-term objective is to investigate more complex systems such as amino acids and nucleobases, which play an essential role e.g. in the photoprotection of DNA to UV light. Understanding vibronic dynamics will provide a deep insight into the nature of chemical bonds.

Mots clés : attosecond science, ultrafast molecular dynamics, mid infrared generation, nonlinear optics, high harmonic generation, core shell photoexcitation of bromine based molecules, pump probe spectroscopy

Participants :
- Université du Québec (Canada) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 232160.4 €
Projet RGDQG (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding quantum gravity requires us to bridge a large gap of scales. The fundamental theory we are searching for is a theory of spacetime at the shortest distances and highest energies. There are many competing proposals for what type of structure best describes this regime. We can not currently generate these high energies in the lab, and hence the most likely method of observing quantum gravity effects are large scale, i.e. astronomical and cosmological observations. To make phenomenological predictions for these large structures, from short scale quantum gravity models, we need to use a renormalisation procedure. In solid state physics, it is common to use real space renormalisation, in which systems at different sizes are directly related. An example of this is block spin renormalisation of the Ising model, by summarising several spins into one block the system is rescaled, leading to an effective description at larger scales. Applying a similar blocking renormalisation to discrete theories of quantum gravity can help us understand their scaling behaviour. This scaling behaviour can then be used to generalise from small scale simulations to larger scale structures, and to identify universal characteristics arising in these models. I have much experience in working with discrete gravity systems, using both analytic and computational methods, which the research and training covered in this proposal will allow me to extend. The host institution, Radboud University in Nijmegen, was chosen for the excellent quality of research. The quantum gravity group led by Professor Loll will provide expert advice, and the strong program of visitors will further enrich the project. The mathematical physics group is comprised of experts in the field of non-commutative geometry, and the proposed research will strengthen the interdisciplinary ties between these groups.

Mots clés : renormalisation group, discrete gravity, quantum gravity, non commutative geometry, causal dynamical triangulations, causal set theory

Participants :
- Radboud University Nijmegen (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 165598.8 €
Projet DYNADE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding the causes of prejudice is one of the main goals of social psychology. Recently, the interest of researchers turned to the development of prejudice which is highly important for the early prevention of intergroup hostility. Most of these works focus on childhood and much less is known about the development of prejudice in adolescence even though it is a crucial period for the formation of the identity. In my previous research I was able to detect the process of the crystallisation of prejudice among teenagers. Comparing age groups between 12 and 19 years, teenagers’ ethnic prejudices were found to become clearly more coherent by age. For such developmental processes cross-sectional data can only give indications, though it is not sufficient for tracking the complex dynamics related to the process of crystallization of attitudes. Therefore, the proposed project will be a longitudinal research of the development of intergroup attitudes in adolescence. Thus, it will have a dynamic approach as it will focus on the interplay of individual and contextual factors in the development of intergroup attitudes. The relations of intergroup attitudes and national feelings will be considered and also the perception of social norms will be investigated in order to shed light on the macro-micro processes related to the development of prejudice towards outgroups. Through its inter-disciplinary perspective the study will contribute to a fuller understanding of the processes leading to prejudices building on notions from sociology, social psychology and nationalism studies. Besides their scientific value, results of the project should be useful in designing school-based intervention programs fostering tolerance towards the members of minority groups.

Mots clés : social psychology, prejudice, racism, anti gypsyism, hungary, development of adolescents, educational intervention against prejudice

Participants :
- Central European University (Hongrie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 146239.2 €
Projet MULTICELL (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding the evolution of multicellularity and cellular differentiation/ complexity is one of the greatest challenges in biology. Of particular interest is to determine the evolutionary processes (selective causes) and mechanisms underlying the evolutionary transition from single cells to multicellular organisms. This project will use cyanobacteria as a model system to determine whether cellular differentiation is a cause or consequence of multicellularity. A novel theory will be tested, which predicts that the division of labour/ differentiation among cells drives the transition to a multicellular state. This will be contrasted with the classical view, where cellular specialization originates only at a much later state during the transition. The proposed project will adopt an interdisciplinary approach by combining experimental evolution (WP1) with phylogenomics (WP2). More specifically, populations of unicellular cyanobacteria will be subjected to long-term experimental evolution under two different regimes that favour either the specialization of cells into performing different physiologically incompatible processes, or the formation of non-differentiated aggregates (WP1). By linking the phenotype to the underlying genotype and to gene expression patterns, the critical steps for the transition to multicellularity will be established at the genome level. This evolutionary sequence will be directly compared to the one inferred from the cyanobacterial phylogeny (WP2). Here, whole genomes will be used to reconstruct the gain and loss events for the main ‘multicellular traits’, such as filament formation and cellular differentiation. The findings will not only provide insight into the key events during the transition to multicellularity but will also be the first study that directly relates a transition that was achieved under artificial conditions in the laboratory to one that actually happened more than 3 billion years ago in this phylum.

Mots clés : experimental evolution, multicellularity, evolutionary transitions, division of labour, cyanobacteria, phylogenomics

Participants :
- Kiel University (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 171460.8 €
Projet CFED (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding the mechanisms that eliminate unfit cells during development is key not only for proper organ formation but also to prevent tissue degeneration in the adult. Cell competition is a fitness quality control mechanism that occurs between cells of differing fitness levels and results in the selective elimination of those cells that, although viable, are deemed to be less fit than their neighbours. Cell competition is conserved from Drosophila to mammals and although some important regulators of this process have been identified, the mechanisms by which less-fit cells are eliminated are not well understood. Preliminary work in the Rodriguez laboratory has identified the mTOR pathway, a key metabolic sensor, as a possible regulator of cell competition in pluripotent stem cells. A small molecule screen for modulators of cell competition identified that inhibiting mTOR enhances defective pluripotent stem cell elimination during competition, and further studies revealed that mTOR activity is decreased in loser cells when confronted with winner cells. I will study the possibility that mTOR acts as a sensor of the competitive nature of pluripotent stem cells. The specific aims of this project are to find what pathways lead to differential mTOR activation during competition and unravel the mechanisms by which loss of mTOR leads to the elimination of defective stem cells. To answer these questions I will use mouse embryonic stem cells, as well as validate the in vivo relevance of my findings by studying the mouse embryo.

Mots clés : cell competition, differentiation, metabolism reprogramming, cellular fitness, tissue homeostasis

Participants :
- Imperial College London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet NUMELAT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding the neural correlates of number cognition is of both intellectual and societal importance: number cognition gives fundamental insight into the evolution of cognitive processes and poor numeracy limits life chances and is a substantial cost to nations. However, the neurological basis of number processing is poorly understood. Furthermore, despite brain lateralization being associated with dyscalculia, an arithmetic learning disorder, the exact impact of brain lateralization on numerical skills is unknown. NUMELAT aims to investigate the neural circuits underlying numerical competence and how these are affected by brain lateralization using zebrafish as a model system. Zebrafish are indeed able to assess numerical magnitude, show lateralized behaviours and it is possible to image neural activity in vivo in behaving larvae. The project will: 1) test whether laterality affects the development and extent of number cognition by: (i) determining the impact of laterality on zebrafish’ ability to assess numerical magnitude. The effect of brain lateralization will be determined by comparing the performance in wild-type and laterality mutant lines. (ii) determining the impact of laterality on developmental trajectories of numerical abilities in wild-type and laterality mutant larvae. 2) Identify neural circuits involved in number processing in wild-type and mutant lines using in-vivo neuroimaging in larvae while assessing numerosity. The use of a species whose genome is sequenced and whose nervous system has been extensively studied will introduce the zebrafish as a model for the study of neurobiology of numbers, with particular regard to the cognitive dysfunctions related to brain lateralization, such as dyscalculia. By combining behavioural analysis and in vivo imaging, NUMELAT provides an innovative approach to study numerical cognition and to address the challenging question about the link between anatomical, functional and behavioural asymmetries.

Mots clés : numerical cognition

Participants :
- University of London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
- University of Bath (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet FastTh (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding the properties of extreme phases of nuclear matter created in relativistic heavy ion collisions is one of the major challenges in theoretical physics. Matter under such extreme conditions was present in the very early universe and is nowadays produced in relativistic heavy ion collisions. In this proposal we address two questions that are central to the understanding of the very early stages of such collisions from the perspective of both strongly and weakly coupled field theory: What is the time-scale of the thermalization and why does it happen so fast? We will study these questions in the strongly coupled setup via the gauge/gravity duality by utilizing numerical relativity techniques to describe black hole formation in the gravity side. This allows to access real-time dependent non-equilibrium dynamical quantities and will improve the understanding of pre-equilibrium flow in heavy ion collisions. In order to understand thermalization at intermediate couplings we will carry out a comparison between strong and weak coupling approaches.

Mots clés : heavy ion collision, quark gluon plasma, cft correspondence, high energy qcd, thermal field theory

Participants :
- University of Barcelona (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 158121.6 €
Projet SurE-TESTS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Understanding the response of marine organisms to future global warming, and associated changes such as acidification and oxygenation, is difficult to evaluate based on modern observations alone. This uncertainty will be addressed by studying the fate of marine organisms during the warmer-than-present climate of the Triassic – an interval marked by several major extinction crises attributed to such factors. A major database of species and genera ranges will be constructed for selected groups showing varying susceptibility to stressors alongside a proxy database of environmental variables. I will assess patterns in this dataset using state-of-the-art subsampling and residual modelling techniques and GIS-based packages to reveal the selective roles of kill factors. By allowing me to work in one of the main mass extinction research centres in Europe, alongside Professor Paul Wignall, the fellowship will allow me to become established as a major international researcher. I will bring complementary taxonomic and geochemical skills to the Leeds, which will greatly contribute to this research group and also strengthen their links with my home institute in China, the major geosciences university at Wuhan, thus placing Europe at the forefront of research on key environmental issues concerning ocean stresses.

Mots clés : extinction, palaeontology, ocean acidification, ocean anoxia

Participants :
- University of Leeds (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet FAMES (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Understanding the “conditions for planet formation” is the first item listed on the European Space Agency’s decadal plan for space sciences. This ambitious task is particularly challenging in that asteroid and planet formation in the protoplanetary disk was influenced by a plurality of factors that can no longer be observed. For example, magnetic fields generated by the disk or the first accreted bodies likely contributed to shaping our solar system, but are today extinct. Most experimental data inform us on the dynamics and evolution of the early solar system are collected on meteorites. Meteorites are remnant pieces of the first accreted planetary bodies; their composition and properties hold a unique record of the conditions under which these objects formed. In particular, the magnetization of meteorites provides unique information on the intensity of magnetic fields present in the early solar system. However, reconciling the magnetizations measured in the laboratory with the intensities of ancient fields is one of the most challenging tasks in paleomagnetism. With this proposal, I aim at calibrating the relationship between magnetization and field intensity for three major magnetic minerals found in meteorites. I will subsequently use these calibrated data to build a more accurate record of the protoplanetary disk’s magnetic field. The two-way transfer of knowledge between the host (CEREGE, France) and myself is essential to the realization of this project. I will leverage and share my knowledge of synchrotron-based magnetic microscopy with the host team, while benefitting from their longstanding expertise in paleomagnetism, petrography and meteoritics. After a five-year PhD in the US, I will be returning to France with the ambition to apply for permanent academic positions over the course of the fellowship, and to durably contribute to the influence of European research.

Mots clés : paleomagnetism, meteorite, magnetic microscopy, solar nebula, core dynamo, solar system formation

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 196707.84 €
Projet DisWildPop (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : TERMINATED

Understanding what makes organisms ill, and the implications of diseases for dynamics and persistence of wild populations are receiving increased attention from epidemiologists, animal and public health scientists and evolutionary biologists since diseases have major impacts on human and non-human populations. Here I propose a research that capitalizes from recent advances in disease identification, demographic modelling and advanced phylogenetic comparative analyses to investigate the links between pathogen prevalence and life histories, demography and social behaviour of hosts. Using birds as model organisms, first I propose to investigate how prevalence of major causative agents of disease vary across taxa with variable patterns of life history, ecology and social behaviour. Second, I aim to investigate whether prevalence of a wide range of pathogens differ between males and females, and whether these differences result from the distinct roles they play in reproduction. Finally, I will examine whether sex differences in pathogen prevalence predict sex-specific mortality and biased sex ratios. To achieve these Objectives, I will integrate data and methodology from wildlife disease biology, behavioural ecology and population demography. The Fellowship will enhance my analytic skills and provide training in three major fields: disease biology, comparative phylogenetic analyses and population demography. The Doñana Biological Station (Spain) will provide a unique opportunity to acquire these skills en route to address the project Objectives, and excellent prospects for career development and interdisciplinary collaborations. In addition, the proposed project will have knock-on benefits for biodiversity conservation by providing key knowledge on the capacities of wild birds to respond to disease threats across diverse ecosystems.

Mots clés : wildlife diseases, life histories, mating systems, population dynamics, adult sex ratio

Participants :
- Spanish National Research Council (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 170121.6 €