Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet TexMeroe (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The TexMeroe project explores the textile industry of ancient Sudan and Nubia with the aim to improve our understanding of the little-known Meroitic kingdom (350BCE – 600CE). This study, the first of its kind, focusses on the exceptionally well-preserved archaeological textiles and tools to highlight the cultural attributes and economic bases of the Meroitic society. This objective will be achieved through the completion of two research-oriented Work Packages encompassing research stays, innovative training, and international collaborations with multidisciplinary experts. The data collected at archaeological sites and museums will not only provide a detailed analysis of manufacturing techniques but also assist in recognising textiles as a culturally significant medium. Textiles and textile implements will be used to study the economic immersion of raw materials, the organisation and outlay of craft production, and its trading mechanisms, thereby reconstructing important aspects of the Nile valley’s micro- and macro-economic environment. TexMeroe will provide a unique understanding of the textile craft development between the Pharaonic heritage, the Mediterranean influences, and the local sub-Saharan African traditions, helping to decipher and define the cultural identity and history of the Meroitic kingdom. TexMeroe is hosted by the University of Copenhagen’s Centre for Textile Research (CTR), a world-wide leader in the field of ancient textile studies. The project will benefit from CTR’s optimal research and training environment while contributing to the expansion of its global scientific network. The results will be communicated through a series of academic publications and conferences, as well as an Open Access online exhibition accessible to a broader audience. In Sudan, the TexMeroe outreach program hopes to start a dialogue connecting modern communities, genders, and generations through their shared textile traditions and history.

Mots clés : archaeology, late antiquity, nile valley, nubia and sudan, ancient textiles, textile production, cultural identity, ancient economy and trade, craft organisation

Participants :
- University of Copenhagen (Danemark) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 212194.8 €
Projet PULSATION (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a NASA space mission, with launch scheduled for March 2018, that will perform an all-sky survey for planets transiting bright stars. Furthermore, TESS's excellent photometric precision, combined with its fine time sampling and long intervals of uninterrupted observations, will enable asteroseismology (i.e., the study of stars by the observation of their natural, resonant oscillations). Asteroseismology is proving to be particularly significant for the study of red-giant stars, while maturing into a powerful tool whose impact is being felt across different domains of astrophysics. A noticeable example is the synergy between asteroseismology and exoplanetary science. TESS hence offers the exciting prospect of conducting asteroseismology of evolved exoplanet-host stars. The research goal of this action is to use TESS photometry to systematically detect and characterize planets transiting oscillating evolved stars. To that end, we propose an interdisciplinary research project combining transit photometry, asteroseismology and radial-velocity/spectroscopic ground-based follow-up. The proposed research project is expected to provide new insight into some of the outstanding problems in exoplanetary science, namely, on the occurrence rate of gas-giant planets as a function of stellar mass, on the correlation between stellar metallicity and giant-planet occurrence around evolved stars, and on the structural aspects of gas-giant planets. Finally, we are also committed to improving public awareness of the increasingly engaging topic of exoplanets in the host organization's home country and, as part of this action, will develop an educational/outreach program in collaboration with a non-academic partner.

Mots clés : asteroseismology, nasa tess satellite, transiting exoplanets, radial velocity follow up

Participants :
- University of Porto (Portugal) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 160635.6 €
Projet U-ADAPT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The U-ADAPT! project proposes a novel approach for the dynamic measuring of urban adaptation to extreme heat. Extreme Heat Events (EHE) are the deadliest weather- and climate-related hazard in Europe. In recent years, heat waves have overwhelmed the continent, and projections show an alarming increase in EHE risk driven by natural and socioeconomic factors . Mitigation, adaptation, and transformative strategies need immediate implementation, but the rate of adaptation and depth of the transformation are in question. Reports stress that the progress of adaptation in European cities is patchy, uncoordinated, and of varied quality. Cities are still implementing their first adaptive measures and developing ideas for monitoring and reporting adaptation strategies. However, concrete norms or indicators for adaptation monitoring are scarce. In the research sphere, adaptation has mostly been discussed in terms of adaptive capacity, rather than implementation, which is the focus of this proposal. Despite the efforts, there is still very little consensus as to what constitutes effective and adequate adaptation, and therefore little agreement about models and indicators to measure it. The scientific aim of U-ADAPT! is to advance and test a theoretical integrated framework to examine the actual implementation of adaptation strategies to the risk of EHE in urban areas of the European Union (EU), in the context of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA). The ultimate societal goal is to develop a model to assist cities in their responsibility to provide a safe and sustainable environment. The output of this research will also empower citizens to audit the commitment of their cities to EHE risk reduction and evaluate measures to reduce short- and long-term negative impacts of heat.

Mots clés : adaptation, resilience, extreme heat events

Participants :
- Universidad Pablo de Olavide (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 160932.48 €
Projet EMPHABIOSYS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The aim of the project is to understand proteins, the molecular machines of life, using a highly interdisciplinary approach encompassing biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, and mathematics. Our work will be directly relevant to tackle the societally important problem of human health, it will be useful for making nifty machines in the lab and eventually could form the basis for the creation of artificial life itself. The starting ingredient of the EMPHABIOSYS project is a model for proteins recently developed by the applicant and her supervisors that serves to bridge conventional polymer phases and those adopted by biomolecules. We will proceed with a hierarchical inclusion of increasing levels of details that is fully controlled and will provide invaluable insights on the underlying mechanisms and direct comparison to experiments. We will incorporate directional interactions mimicking hydrogen bonds; we will include sequence specificity to understand the selection of the native state structure and the propensity of proteins to form amyloid implicated in debilitating diseases; we will then proceed to an understanding of the dynamics of protein folding and misfolding; and ultimately to the study of protein-DNA interactions. The first two steps will be carried out at University of Oregon under the guidance of international leaders and will enable me to master experimental approaches along with mathematical rigor and physical intuition. The final step will be carried out during the third year of the project at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and will benefit from the network of collaborations established with the Universities of Vienna, San Sebastian and Oslo. The award of the fellowship will be crucial for me to establish my scientific career, to communicate the joy of doing science, to inspire and mentor the next generation of young women (and men) to become scientific leaders, and to make our world a better place in the spirit of Marie Curie.

Mots clés : protein folding, coarse grained models for proteins and protein dna interactions, monte carlo simulations, molecular dynamics, computational biophysics

Participants :
- University of Oregon (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 269002.56 €
Projet COSMOVOID (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The aim of this cosmology proposal is to study the contents, history and evolution of our Universe, using the distribution of matter on large scales. I propose to study new methods to identify and catalogue rare voids and superclusters in the large-scale structure of the Universe and to study their statistical, morphological and dynamical properties. I will use these studies to propose new observables and new techniques of data analysis based on these structures, and to use this knowledge to test theories of gravitation, dark energy and the initial conditions of the early Universe. Interest in cosmic voids in particular has increased greatly in recent years, as they have been suggested as extremely competitive probes of cosmology, according to some estimates significantly out-performing other methods. Yet there remain unsolved theoretical difficulties in the modelling of voids and even a lack of consensus on how to identify them and how to relate theory and observation. Even less is currently known about superclusters. These are among the important issues I propose to address. My proposal consists in roughly equal parts of: analysis of the latest high-quality survey data which will available from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and the Dark Energy Survey (DES); analysis of the state-of-the-art Jubilee ISW and weak lensing simulations run on the Juropa supercomputer in Germany; and theoretical work to combine insights from data and simulation to improve our understanding of cosmology. The proposed work is to be carried out in collaboration with leading experts in the respective fields from across the European Community, in particular in the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany.

Mots clés : cosmology, large scale structure of the universe, voids

Participants :
- University of Portsmouth (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet ICRED (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The aim of this fellowship is to develop new reductive cyclization cascades of lactams and amides that establish these feedstock chemicals as important chemical precursors to reactive iminium ions which can be intercepted by pendant nucleophiles and exploited in carbon-carbon bond formation. A range of indole nucleophiles linked to amide and lactam functionality will be investigated for performance in the iridium catalyzed reductive cyclization cascades, and, based on successful proof of concept studies already performed in the Dixon group, a range of semi-saturated nitrogen-containing polycyclic structures possessing one or more stereocentres distributed over an architecturally complex framework should result. As well as studying diastereocontrol in the cascades, catalytic enantioselective variants will also be investigated. Finally, the application of the indole (spiro)cyclization reaction to the total synthesis of aspidospermidine will showcase the utility of the developed chemistry. This multidisciplinary Fellowship, based on high-quality and novel research at the University of Oxford, one of the top-research centres worldwide, will complement Dr Xie’s skills and knowledge to improve his career possibilities and at the same time, Dr Xie’s experience in creating catalytically active transition metal complexes will be critical for developing chiral versions of the iridium catalyst during the development of a catalytic asymmetric version of the reductive cyclization cascade.

Mots clés : organic synthesis, catalysis, iminium ion intermediates, total synthesis, alkaloids, enantioselective

Participants :
- University of Oxford (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet OptiMADMix (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The aim of this innovative Fellowship is to provide a robust numerical framework, based on novel developments in the fields of CFD and biokinetic modelling, to optimize mesophilic anaerobic digester (MAD) performance, by reducing energy consumption whilst maximising biogas production. By 2030 the world will have to produce 50% more food and energy and 30% more water. Consequently, most countries are implementing programs to reduce carbon emissions and enhance renewable energy production. MAD is the most widespread technology for the treatment of sewage sludge, the by-product of sewage treatment. This natural process uses bacteria to break down biodegradable material and produces a biogas rich in methane. The current drive to maximise energy recovery means that biogas from MAD is increasingly harnessed by combined heat and power technology. Thus, there exists the need to optimise digester performance to maximize energy recovery. The benefits of improved performance go beyond CO2 reductions, as they will facilitate environmental improvements, reduce operating costs and improve the financial performance of the European and global wastewater industry. The challenge is to improve digester control to minimize excessive mixing, so eliminating additional, unnecessary environmental and financial costs whilst maximising biogas output. We will simulate for the first time the complex relationships between hydrodynamic and microbiological processes in a MAD environment, whilst also recognising the potential for grit sedimentation within digesters. We will extend significantly previous work and use coupled CFD/MAD modelling as an innovative and robust technique to monitor and control the hydraulic and biochemical performance of MAD. Meeting the project aim will deliver an appropriate methodology to improve MAD design and control, thereby offering tangible environmental and financial benefits and assisting the meeting of EU Directive requirements.

Mots clés : anaerobic digestion, computational fluid dynamics, biokinetic modelling, energy, wastewater, treatment

Participants :
- University of Birmingham (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet QuP (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The aim of this innovative and high-impact interdisciplinary proposal is to investigate the potential properties and applications of plasmonic metallic nanostructures that enable the confinement of light to scales beyond the diffraction limit, known as quantum plasmonics. Latest studies have revealed the quantization of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). It could be the stepping stone for the generation of miniaturized photonic components for the quantum control of light. This implies that the SPPs would represent a totally new sort of information carrier for nanoscale circuitry, enabling a revolutionary bridge between current diffraction-limited microphotonics and bandwith-limited nanoelectronics, paving the way for integrated quantum information processing. Thus, in a first stage we will develop integrated nanoscale quantum plasmonics building blocks on-a-chip, such as efficient single-photon sources or transistors, which is the component required for the fabrication of true nanoscale quantum computing logic gates. We also plan to exploit the low-Ohmic-losses and prospects for large scale production of ultra-compact cutting-edge graphene plasmonic circuits. This research will be lastly applied to single molecule sensing. Experiments will be performed using innovative techniques for nanofabrication of photonic nanostructures and for characterization. The expected results will allow taking advantage of quantum interference effects, setting up the optical response of the extremely low losses Long Range (LR) SPPs modes within a quantum framework and showing that graphene layers produce strong light-matter interaction and extreme optical field confinement. The results will be compared with ab initio simulations, giving a precise and consistent experimental and theoretical panorama of quantum plasmonics.

Mots clés : quantum plasmonics, quantization of long range surface plasmon polaritons, quantum transistor, graphene plasmonic circuits, single molecule sensing

Participants :
- University of Valencia (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 170121.6 €
Projet ProteRNA (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Staff Exchanges
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The aim of this project is to bring together subject matter experts from the academic and non-academic sectors to establish proof-of-concept of the utility of a new platform for fast and general elucidation of the interaction between proteins and RNA. The development of analytical methods for identification of RNA-binding proteins (RPBs) and their corresponding RNA motifs, will permit and accelerate: i) a deeper understanding of the roles of gene regulation and protein expression; ii) development of personalised medicines via regulation of protein expression; and iii) rapid identification of proteomes involved in specific diseases. In doing so, this project will have outputs which have significant market opportunities and societal benefits, including, but not limited to, stimulating job creation in the pharmabiotech and diagnostics sectors and reducing costs for national and EU healthcare budgets.

Mots clés : proteomics, mass spectrometry, fluorine chemistry, rna binding proteins

Participants :
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Grèce) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 73600.0 €
- Kelada Pharmachem (Ireland) (Irlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 110400.0 €
- Masaryk University (Rép. Tchèque) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 73600.0 €
Projet EntreLab (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The aim of this project is to create a model for continuous teachers’ training on entrepreneurship education, provide guidelines and best practices on the pedagogies conductive for entrepreneurship education in vocational education. The Entrepreneurial Laboratory will be composed of workshops with the participation of teachers in vocational education and the various stakeholders that will discuss how to implement entrepreneurship education in the specific vocational setting chosen for the research. The focus will be on the pedagogies teachers will establish in order to encourage, facilitate and support their students being entrepreneurial in and outside the school environment. Within Europe 2020 entrepreneurship is considered particularly important as it can tackle youth joblessness and favour social inclusion. While changing the educational system is not an easy process, steps must urgently be taken to implement short, medium, and long term agendas that a move education in the right direction to match Europe 2020 objectives. The literature on entrepreneurship education and the government documents highlight the need to improve the quality of entrepreneurship education in vocational secondary schools through a switch of the pedagogies (teaching methods and didactics) and the creation of conditions for students to show sense of initiative and entrepreneurship in and outside school.In line with a capability approach the final goal will be increasing students’ autonomy and ability to make choices. With this post doctoral research comprising scientific publications plus experience in teaching and supervising students, as well as more entrepreneurial competencies the Experienced Researcher will be ready for associate professorship.


Participants :
- University of Helsinki (Finlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 179325.6 €
Projet APTASENS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The aim of this project is to design different next generation libraries of biosensors that will yield ready-to-go analytical tools against any target in unprecedented speed and high affinity. The project intends to focus on aptamers, a new generation of recognition elements that will be integrated into bioelectronics devices. The huge number of candidates to be tested using a combinatorial trial and error approach will be radically reduced by rationalizing the strategy to design the aptamers. A new virtual screening process will be used for the generation of aptamers by the help of modern molecular modelling tools. The design and binding of large database will be created and screened by adding or mutating molecule bricks (amino acids and DNA), minimizing experimental tests and therefore reducing the research costs. These sensor elements will be organized in medium to high density nucleic acid and peptide arrays with different transducing principles. In particular, we will design and produce an electrochemical sensor array platform based on screen printing technology together with suitable extraction- and pre-concentration procedures by coupling aptamers to nanoparticles. The analytical procedures produced will be tested using first standards and then real samples. The target molecules will be analytes related to health and safety control (Xenobiotics: e.g. PCB, pesticides. Mycotoxins: e.g. patulin, nivalenol, Antioxidants: e.g. resveratrol, luteolin). The proposal has strong focus on development of concrete evolutionary new biosensors for application to diagnostics, food, terrorism threat agents, environmental and new frontiers analysis such as bioanalysis in the space.

Mots clés : dna and peptide aptamers, computationally driven selection, analytical chemistry, biosensors, electrochemical detection schemes, xenobiotics, mycotoxins, antioxidants

Participants :
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 239191.2 €
- University of California System (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €