Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet AMI-SEI (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The record of vital events such as births and deaths are the most critical social statistics that have been increasingly used for monitoring social and health development. Most developing countries do not have a complete and robust vital registration system, leading to a lack of mortality data. Therefore, a rigorous assessment of adult mortality and disparities is limited. The research project: AMI: SEI (Burden of Adult Mortality in India: Socioeconomic Inequality and Impact on Household Wellbeing) as a case study of India aims to investigate adult mortality in order to fill in knowledge gaps and strengthen evidence-based policies for tackling potentially avoidable adult deaths at working ages (15-59 years). Rising deaths due to non-communicable chronic diseases and violent deaths such as traffic accidents and suicides pose new challenges for sustainable health progress in Low-middle income countries (LMICs). These emerging health threats primarily affect disadvantaged population groups with lower socioeconomic status. Therefore, this project focuses on adult mortality by socio- economic characteristics from a demographic and public health perspective. First, the proposed study will explore regional inequality in adult mortality by gender across the different Indian regions during 1990-2023 and impact of COVID-19 in 2020-21 on adult mortality. Second, a systematic assessment of adult mortality disparities by socio- economic group will be conducted in order to identify commonalities and differences in the magnitude and patterns of disparities in India. Finally, the economic impact of potentially avoidable adult deaths on the well-being of households will be examined. The expected scientific outcomes of this project will provide new policy-relevant knowledge about adult mortality patterns and mortality disparities in developing countries contributing the biggest share of global adult deaths.

Mots clés : mortality, adult health, health gradients, sample surveys, determinants of mortality, economic impact

Participants :
- Société Max-Planck pour le développement des sciences (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 217965.12 €
Projet MUVCATMOF (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a promising approach for mitigating CO2 emission and transforming it into chemical energy and value-added chemicals. In this context, porous materials, particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have emerged as tailor-made solids with desired structural arrangement representing the most attractive candidates due to their high tunability compared to traditional inorganic solids. These structures are ideal platforms for introducing heterogeneity to enrich the chemical environment in multivariate (MTV) frameworks. Among them, mixed-metal MOFs are of high interest due to the inherent properties of each metal that can be incorporated and combined into the same material. Herein, MUVCATMOF proposes using MTV-MOFs composed of mixed-metals for tailor-made photocatalytic tandem reactions to transform CO2 into value-added chemicals. The idea is based on creating a highly active catalytic pore environment in the structure where the chemical activity of each metal will be exploited towards each catalytic reaction and coupled the products synergestically. In this specific case, three active sites will be designed for tandem reactions of the CO2 photoreduction into carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2) generation, and subsequent coupling of CO and H2 into hydrocarbons or alcohols. This research project consists of three individual objectives. The first objective is to develop new methodologies for the controlled synthesis of MTV-MOFs. The second objective is to establish novel characterisation techniques to understand the relative location of mixed-metals in MTV-MOFs. The third objective is demonstrating the photocatalytic CO2 reduction and subsequen tandem reactions of tailor-made MTV-MOFs. This research's originality will provide novel rational design tools and characterisation techniques for the controlled formation of MTV-MOFs, contributing to a higher activity and selectivity of catalytic tailor-made materials.

Mots clés : metal organic frameworks, reticular materials, multivariate, mixed metal, co2 photoreduction, tandem reaction

Participants :
- Société Max-Planck pour le développement des sciences (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 202125.12 €
Projet FLUXARG (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global threat and a major public health priority under the “One Health” approach. In particular, Aquatic environments affected by anthropogenic activities, represent a huge reservoir and potential hotspot for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), potentially via horizontal gene transfer (HGT) involving mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Current data suggests that free-living amoebae (FLA), which are often underestimated, could play a potential key role in the spread of AMR. FLA not only act as natural predators of bacteria but also serve as protective hosts for various pathogens, enhancing their survival and potential for HGT. Previous studies have shown that FLA are reservoirs for pathogenic bacteria and ARGs of major clinical interest. However, their exact role in the ARGs dissemination via HGT and the involvement of MGEs in this process remains poorly explored. The project FLUXARG aims to further investigate the role of amoebae as reservoirs of ARGs and their contribution to the transmission of ARGs in aquatic environments. By studying HGT between bacteria living in amoebae, we aim to understand how ARGs are spread in aquatic environments via FLA. In addition, FLUXARG will investigate the effect of abiotic factors, such as physicochemical parameters during seasonal variations, on the efficiency of HGT between intra-amoebic bacteria. In parallel, FLUXARG will assess how these interactions shape the composition and diversity of aquatic and amoebic microbiomes, leading to a better understanding of their ecological importance. To achieve these objectives, in FLUXARG, I will employ culture assays, high-throughput genomic and metagenomic techniques, and experimental microcosms to mimicking environmental conditions. The results will lead to a better understanding of the role of FLA in the persistence and spread of AMR, potentially guiding the development of effective strategies to mitigate this growing threat.

Mots clés : environmental microbiology antimicrobial resistance horizontal gene transfer antibiotic resistance genes mobile genetic elements free living amoebae bacteria interaction wastewater treatment

Participants :
- Lyon-I université (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 226420.56 €
Projet QualityNPC (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The nucleus, surrounded by the nuclear envelope (NE), houses genetic material, and nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) mediate the selective passage of molecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. NPCs are critical for cellular functions such as protein synthesis and cell division. Dysfunction of NPCs is associated with ageing and disease, highlighting the importance of quality control mechanisms such as NPC degradation. However, the pathways that control NPC degradation remain largely uncharacterized.  A recent study in yeast revealed for the first time a selective autophagy pathway responsible for the degradation of fully assembled NPCs embedded in the NE. NE-derived NPC-containing vesicles are engulfed by an autophagosome through the initial binding of Atg8 to the cytoplasmic-facing Nup159. Although Nup159 is present in all NPCs, NPC degradation occurs rarely under normal conditions and is only upregulated under stress conditions such as starvation, indicating a tightly regulated process. This research, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model, aims to uncover the machinery and triggers that regulate autophagic NPC degradation through two main objectives. First, to identify the machinery required for the formation of NPC-containing vesicles, using a powerful combination of genome-wide screening and structural insights from cryo-electron tomography. Second, to determine the mechanisms that trigger the formation of NPC-containing vesicles, focusing on two likely triggers: NPC clustering and nuclear content. The results of this study will redefine our knowledge of NPC quality control and the autophagic degradation pathway for NPCs. The knowledge gained from processes in yeast can potentially be extended to human cell biology, where NPC integrity is crucial in ageing and disease.

Mots clés : autophagy, nuclear pore complex, npc, protein quality control, protein degradation

Participants :
- Société Max-Planck pour le développement des sciences (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 202125.12 €
Projet DualCatAmine (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

With most bioactive molecules, such as pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals, being complex amines, efficient synthesis and functionalization is of crucial importance. Although much progress has been achieved, conventional strategies, especially those targeting the functionalizations of less reactive sites, are particularly ineffective. The current methods typically require forcing conditions, such as strong oxidizing agents and stoichiometric organometallic reagents or the installation of directing groups and N-protected functionalities, that jeopardize their utility in practical synthesis. To address these limitations, herein, we propose a new strategy for the direct and efficient functionalization of amine frameworks at their otherwise unreactive sites. Specifically, I will explore the dual Mn/Ni-catalytic systems, where the unique features of the Mn complexes drive the temporary activation of an amine generating a transient reactive imine intermediate, which in turn undergoes the functionalization step enabled by the Ni complexes. Attractively, the overall transformation employs Earth-abundant metals and occurs directly in ‘one pot’ without any stochiometric activating reagents, thereby underscoring the high atom economy enabled by multicatalysis. The mechanistic studies will be used to untangle catalytic aspects assisting the rational methodology development. Attractively, a range of functionalizations, including arylation, alkylation, olefination, and halogenations at different sites can be achieved, which will open up innovative routes to industrially important and value-added chemicals. This highly original project combines the strengths of complex systems chemistry with the power of catalysis to address the current limitations of organic synthesis, yielding a project of excellent, innovative science that will exploit my unique expertise in Mn catalysis while providing me extensive training in multicatalysis, reaction networks, and computations.

Mots clés : multicatalysis, functionalization of amines, c h functionalization

Participants :
- Université de Strasbourg (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195914.88 €
- Université de Cambridge (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet CYA-TECH (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Outdoor stone monuments in Europe and beyond can't be preserved with conventional consolidation methods without risking short-/long-term drawbacks from detrimental interventions or compromising the environment and the health of the curators. In response to this need and in line with the Green Deal objectives, I will develop a novel cutting-edge, user- and environmental-friendly CYAnobacteria-based consolidation TECHnology (CYA-TECH) to restore and preserve monumental and ornamental calcareous stones in a sustainable way.  Thus, I will: i) establish an effective formulation for the cyano-based consolidation technology; ii) set up on-demand and precision bioconsolidation through the use of different artificial light sources and the prediction of the gene-metabolite network in response to these physical switches; iii) prove the performance of the novel cyano-based technology in-situ, comparing it with the most advanced bioconsolidation strategy available so far. CYA-TECH will achieve sustainable management of stone heritage (SH), an essential component to culture-related economic activities, socio-political development, urban sustainability, education, and environmental protection. The MSCA fellowship will jumpstart my career in the biotech sector applied to the conservation of SH. It will enrich my professional profile with i) critical knowledge in cultural heritage (CH) microbiology by combining an in-depth understanding of the ‘stone ecosystem’ with material analyses and diagnostic tools to identify green conservation strategies; ii) communication and management skills that transcend bench-top expertise and technical proficiency, iii) increased employability and visibility as a female scientist, fostering my self-empowerment as well as the empowerment of women in science, and vi) a shift to translational research, developing biotechnologies that would impact the environment and the society in agreement with the Green Deal and the New Eurupean Bauhaus initiative.

Mots clés : bioconsolidation, cyanobacteria, stone heritage, biotechnology, sustainable conservation, synechocystis, extracellular polymeric substances

Participants :
- Université de Milan (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 188590.08 €
Projet NEOSC (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The Born-Oppenheimer Approximation (BOA) has determined how chemists describe molecules since 1927. BOA separates electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom, considering that the electron timescale is much shorter than the nuclear one. This assumption does not hold in Proton Coupled Electron Transfer (PCET) processes. PCET is the key to efficiency in biological photosynthesis. Time-Resolved Infrared spectroscopy (TRIR) assists PCET investigations but it is usually interpreted with harmonic frequency calculations or classical nuclear dynamics simulations on a BO potential energy surface. To gain further physical insights into PCET it is necessary to revise the theoretical framework for spectroscopy, going beyond the BOA and including a quantum treatment for all nuclei. To reach this goal, this project unifies two cutting-edge methods. One is the Nuclear Electronic Orbital (NEO) approach that goes beyond the BOA by including into the electronic structure calculations the PCET transferred proton. The other is the Semiclassical Initial Value Representation technique that simulates IR spectra by accounting for quantum effects, such as the zero-point energy, overtones, or tunneling, for all nuclei, even in large molecular systems. The project will introduce a new post-BOA conceptual picture for vibrational spectroscopy. Specifically, semiclassical nuclear density calculations will be used to tailor new basis sets to efficiently simulate large molecular systems, gradually including many protons and other nuclei in the NEO wavefunction. In this way, a new spectroscopy theory will be developed for the simulation of TRIR spectra at semiclassical accuracy on NEO post-BOA PESs. These advances will be implemented in an open-source code that we employ to study prototypical PCET systems and gain accurate mechanistic information. This new knowledge will foster applied research by exploiting a deeper understanding of the PCET processes.

Mots clés : non adiabatic processes pcet semiclassical dynamics neo vibrational spectroscopy

Participants :
- Université de Princeton (Etats-Unis) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Université de Milan (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 288859.2 €
Projet ELECTRO-ASYMMETRIC (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Identifying successful lead drug candidates is a significant and current challenge to society. The ELECTRO-ASYMMETRIC project seeks to provide some solutions through assisting the development of more effective drug discovery technologies. Specifically, we aim to use electricity-driven organocatalytic cascade processes for the stereocontrolled synthesis of chiral lactones and polyfunctionalized heterocycles, which are common motifs in biologically active molecules. Asymmetric organocatalysis and electrochemistry, two powerful strategies of modern chemical research, have extraordinary potential for sustainably preparing the novel organic molecules required for driving innovation in the pharmaceutical industries. However, the control of enantioselectivity in electrochemical radical processes poses a fundamental scientific challenge. ELECTRO-ASYMMETRIC asks whether asymmetric organocatalytic electrochemical cascades could be an effective tool for rapidly synthesising novel chiral nature-inspired building blocks with high stereocontrol. The chiral molecules prepared in this project will be screened for biological activity in a multidisciplinary collaboration with Janssen, increasing the probability of success in identifying successful drug candidates. This fellowship brings a new industrial collaboration to the host institution, and transfers expertise of advanced techniques in asymmetric catalysis to the candidate and knowledge of electrochemistry to the host group. The project’s multidisciplinarity and intersectoral nature will broaden the fellow’s competencies and will place him in a competitive position for his next career move.

Mots clés : radical chemistry, asymmetric catalysis, organocatalysis, electrochemistry, electron transfer, drug development

Participants :
- Université de Bologne (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 117096.68 €
- Johnson & Johnson (United States) (Espagne) — Partner, associated partner, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 0.0 €
Projet DEMEtRA (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The European Commission aims at promoting agricultural innovation while preserving biodiversity and without increasing arable land surface. Understanding how plants respond to stress is therefore vital to design new, improved agricultural solutions that meet these requirements. General and conserved plant stress responses to pathogens rely on systemic propagation of Calcium (Ca2+) signalling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the site of attack to distant organs. An unexpected, essential link between primary metabolism (i.e. NADP/H production), long-distance Ca2+ signals and ROS propagation was recently brought to light, thus opening a new line of fundamental research (i.e. the metabolic regulation of plant stress signalling) and suggesting that modulation of NADP metabolism can boost plant defences. DEMEtRA (DEcoding Metabolic Effectors in plant sTress Response and Acclimation) aims at obtaining a deep characterization of this metabolic regulation of plant signalling in response to bacterial pathogens by combining biochemical and cutting-edge imaging techniques. This project will produce a thorough characterization of the NADP/H production mechanism and of the perturbations of long-distance signalling caused by a shortage of NADP/H. Finally, it will allow engineering new solutions to improve plant stress responses against pathogens, by acting on NADP/H metabolism. Thus, DEMEtRA will quickly advance fundamental research on plant stress signalling and guide biotechnological applications to improve conserved, natural defence mechanisms in crop plants.

Mots clés : arabidopsis, calcium signalling, nadp, ros, imaging, calmodulin

Participants :
- Université de Milan (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 188590.08 €
Projet RoBHin-ETG (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Nowadays, Einstein’s general relativity (GR) is the most accurate theory for the gravitational interaction. Nevertheless, GR is not compatible with quantum mechanics and is expected to be the low-energy description of a more fundamental theory, whose corrections could potentially be detected around those space-time regions where gravity is strongest: black holes.  The difficulty for finding or fully controlling potential candidates for such a theory has triggered an effective-field-theory approach to gravity, by which GR gets supplemented by additional new terms to be fixed by experiment.  In this regard, non-rotating black holes in effective theories of gravity are quite well understood in the literature, including relevant works by the researcher of this proposal. However, this is no longer true for rotating configurations, for which only a few solutions are known in very special theories beyond GR. Since black holes in Nature are observed to be rotating, it is crucial to generalise such results for rotating solutions. This is precisely the research objective of the project: pioneering the study of rotating black holes in the most general effective theory of gravity. It is the perfect moment for this endeavour, as GR will be tested with far more precision than ever in the coming years.  The project will be carried out at the University of Cambridge and supervised by Harvey Reall, author of various seminal works on effective theories of gravity and black holes. Their worldwide reputation will be key for a high impact on the relevant scientific community. Also, the project will have an extremely positive impact on the researcher. The prestige and influence of scientists at the host department, the plethora of opportunities for quality training and the myriads of tools for an efficient two-way transfer of knowledge will provide the researcher with a highly competitive profile for future leading academic positions.

Mots clés : black holes effective field theories of gravity higher curvature terms quantum corrections to einstein s gravity

Participants :
- Université de Cambridge (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 260347.92 €