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

After the liberation of Greece the leftist publications experienced a short period of legality. From 1944 until 1946 more than 300 newspapers and magazines were published; but they were on the verge of a very thin and fragile legitimacy. This period did not last long: the eruption of the Greek Civil War pushed them back in illegality. On December 27, 1947 the Sofoulis government passed the “Obligatory Law 509” which banned the Communist Party and the pro-communist press. “The promotion of ideas which have the overt purpose to overthrow the regime by violent means, the overthrow of the detaining social system and the detachment of a part of the national territory” would be punished with imprisonment or death. If this offense was committed by the press, “the responsibility would lie with the author, the director or the publisher of the newspaper”. From the introduction of “Law 509” until the end of the civil war in 1949, the Communist Party, the Democratic Army of Greece, the Greek Agrarian Party and other pro-communist organizations published more than 130 newspapers and magazines in order to propagandize their political ideas and deconstruct the anti-communist propaganda. These publications were usually issued in mountainous areas controlled by the Democratic Army. The proposed project will use these newspapers in order to provide new elements and alternative interpretations on the “child abduction” and the “role of the women” which are two major and debatable issues of the Greek Civil War, it will compare for the first time some aspects of the Greek and the Spanish clandestine press and it will draw the image of Spain in order to discover and highlight new similarities and differences of the two cases.

Mots clés : underground, press, civil, censorship, propaganda, greece, spain, clandestine

Participants :
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 160932.48 €
Projet ECONOMY (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Agricultural soils are the dominant source of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas as well as a major cause of ozone layer depletion. Recent findings show that combinations of plants with complementary root traits can increase nitrogen (N) uptake leading to lower N2O emissions. Based on the microbiology behind soil N2O emissions and on plant-trait based ecology, this project aims to build on this finding and develop a novel N2O mitigation strategy. We aim to reveal how plants and plant interactions via their traits and trait combinations can be used to reduce N2O emissions in a context of climate change related disturbances (drought and intense rainfall). Starting with microcosm incubations using monocultures of different plant species, we will quantify the relative importance of specific plant traits as means to regulate N2O emissions. An ensemble of inter- and multi-disciplinary techniques will be applied to analyse the ecological and agronomical plant characteristics of potential relevance as well as the plant-specific microbiological communities of importance for the N-cycle. Subsequently, greenhouse mesocosm experiments will be used to expand the acquired knowledge to cover interactions between plants and stresses induced by climate change factors. A meta-analysis of published and unpublished datasets will allow further elucidation of specific and interactive mechanisms, differentiated by environmental and management factors and to include studies over longer time frames. Finally, the generated results will be used to calibrate and validate a process-based model in order to extrapolate our findings to regional levels. Deliverables will be peer-reviewed papers, new experimental data on a new N2O mitigation strategy, improved model tools to simulate mitigation and reports to policy makers and stake holders on a N2O mitigation strategy that concurrently maintains / increases agricultural production. Overall, ECONOMY will guide future N2O mitigation policy.

Mots clés : nitrous oxide, biodiversity, plant traits

Participants :
- Wageningen University & Research (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 165598.8 €
Projet PLASTICERA (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Aim of the project PLASTICERA is to prevent nuclear accidents similar to Fukushima Daiichi from happening in Europe. Primary objective of PLASTICERA is to develop a new accident tolerant fuel (ATF) concept for modern nuclear light water reactors (LWR). Today, nuclear energy is an essential environmental issue as it is one of the key scalable technologies to battle climate change. Promoting the use of nuclear energy is largely based on public opinion and therefore creating safer and more sustainable ways to produce nuclear energy is more important than ever. The concept of PLACTICERA relies on amorphous oxide thin films to protect the primary fuel cladding from catastrophic damage during nuclear accident conditions. The oxide thin film can provide unique combination of a strong oxygen diffusion barrier with the capability to accommodate the plastic strain originating from the fuel bar thermal expansion. This functional coating could significantly delay the onset of uncontrollable degradation of the primary fuel cladding, allowing timely emergency cooling, and preventing the release of radioactive substances. The primary objective will be achieved by training Dr. Erkka J. Frankberg (fellow) with new skills in disruptive material manufacturing technologies capable of producing ceramic materials, especially amorphous oxides, with prerequisites for low temperature plasticity. These materials will then be tested for mechanical and corrosion properties in relevant environment resembling LWR normal operating conditions and conditions occurring during “loss of cooling water” (LOCA) -type accident.


Participants :
- Italian Institute of Technology (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 91736.64 €
Projet APGAR (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Air pollution exposure has been associated with adverse effects on cognition in children. However, the impact of air pollution on the structures and functions of the growing brain in children is unknown. The objectives of the APGAR project are to determine 1) the impact of urban air pollution on the structures and functions of the growing brain in children from the general population, 2) to what extent these structural and functional changes are associated with cognitive performance in children. The APGAR project is a longitudinal study conducted in 400 school age children from the general population, recruited between 2012 and 2013, in different schools in Barcelona, Spain. Psychometric and air pollution measurements were conducted weekly during 2 six-week periods: at the beginning of the school year and 9 months later. Neuroimaging (High-resolution 3-dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Diffusion Tensor Images, Fluid Attenuation Inversion Recovery, T2-weighted spin-echo sequences and functional MRI, spectrometry) were also conducted. Interfacing neuroimaging and environmental epidemiology represents an innovative applications of neuroimaging in general population, as previous studies have focused exclusively on effects based on test scores. Using original statistical methods (combination of supervised machine learning methods, feature selection and regression models), we will examine the impact of air pollution on the brain structures correlated with cognitive performance in children. Secondly, we will examine whether profiles of brain changes, specifically related to air pollution exposure, are associated with cognition level in participants. This multidisciplinary project may improve our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the link between air pollution and cognitive disorder in children, and may lead to public health actions to improve air quality and reduce the burden of disease associated with air pollution in Europe.

Mots clés : epidemiology, children, air pollution, neurodevelopment, neuroimaging, statistics

Participants :
- CERCA Institution (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 170121.6 €
Projet Clumped Isotopes (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Air trapped in polar ice cores provides a unique archive of atmospheric composition in the past. However, reactive gases are not stable in ice core air, and therefore no paleo-proxies exist that allow reconstructing the oxidation capacity of the past atmosphere from ice cores. Recent study shows that isotope exchange between highly reactive oxygen atoms (O(3P)) and relatively non-reactive O2 in the atmosphere imprints an isotope signal in the “clumped” isotopic composition of atmospheric O2, which can be a tracer for the abundance of O(3P) in the troposphere. Clumped isotopes are isotopologues containing more than one heavy isotope (e.g., 18O18O), and they are now detectable at high precision using modern technology. I propose here to develop these novel clumped isotope measurements on O2 into a tool to reconstruct the oxidative capacity in the past atmosphere from O2 trapped in firn and ice core air. I will first verify the hypothesis that the large clumped isotope signal originates from fast O(3P)+O2 exchange at low temperatures in the stratosphere, and that this signal is only partially erased by further exchange in the troposphere, where much lower O(3P) and higher temperatures prevail. Clumped isotope analyses on O2 trapped in ice cores will then be used to decipher past variations in atmospheric oxidation processes with a temporal resolution of decades to millennia. I am particularly interested in determining the effects of both natural (glacial-interglacial) climate variability and anthropogenic climate change associated with fossil fuel combustion on oxidation processes in the atmosphere. My experience in the field of clumped isotopes fits perfectly to the expertise of the host group in atmospheric research using isotopes, and the project will make use of the new world-leading high precision isotope ratio mass spectrometer MAT 253 ULTRA facility that will enable measurement of all 6 isotopologues of O2, including the rarest one, 17O17O, for the first time.

Mots clés : oxidation chemistry, clumped isotopes, mat 253ultra, ice core, aircore

Participants :
- Utrecht University (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 177598.8 €
Projet SoftBioArt (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

All cells contain tiny molecular motors made from a large family of proteins including enzymes and antibodies that help the cell produce energy, move, and move material inside the cell. While several biomolecular motors have been identified, the remaining challenges are determining how these species transfer information from one region of a motor to another and how the malfunctioning of these can lead to the development of several diseases. One timely example is the detrimental effect that a disrupted mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) can produce in human beings (e.g., cancer, neurodegeneration, heart failure). The SoftBioArt project will explore a new paradigm in ETC by achieving an efficient inter-protein electron transfer at electrified soft-interfaces and to using this platform to pinpoint any weak points for possible electron leakage during the ETC. The SoftBioArt program will result in a new platform bringing biomimetic modified soft-interfaces to a new level, to demystify one of the most relevant living machines within mitochondria (respiratory ETC) where any malfunctioning is linked to the development of several chronic human diseases. Thus, the SofBioArt program will develop model membrane systems that will serve as scaffolds harbouring protein and enzymes of the ETC at soft-interfaces maximizing the electron transfer efficiency at an electrified soft-interface. The SoftBioArt project pushes the boundaries of the current state-of-the-art of bioelectrochemistry at soft-interfaces to determine if this unexplored system can bridge the gap between solid electrode bioelectrochemistry and living systems.

Mots clés : bioelectrochemistry, soft electrochemistry, electrochemistry at liquid liquid interfaces, electron transport chain, membrane proteins, cancer, neurodegeneration, cytochrome

Participants :
- University of Alicante (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 160932.48 €
Projet DREAMS (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). One million people in Europe have MS, experiencing a significantly reduced quality of life and dying 7-14 years younger than average. The annual burden on European economies is ~€35B. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects almost all Europeans and is aetiologically linked to MS with infection increasing disease risk 32-fold. Despite the huge personal, societal and economic impacts of MS, the underlying role of EBV in its development remains poorly understood. DREAMS will explore how EBV contributes to MS development. To do this, the Postdoctoral Fellow (PF) will utilise a novel humanised mouse model which harbours the major genetic risk factor for MS and is permissive for EBV infection. This model displays characteristics common with human MS, including CNS immune cell infiltration. Applying multiplex immunofluorescence, the PF will explore the nature of this immune infiltrate and how it is influenced by drugs used to treat MS, focussing on inhibitors of S1PR signalling. Combined with mechanistic in vitro studies to determine how these drugs interact with EBV-infected B-cells and EBV-specific T-cells, this work will allow new insights into how S1PR modulation affects MS immunopathology. As such, this research aligns with the Horizon Europe Health cluster and several UN sustainable goals, and meets Open Science, Gender Equality, Supervision and Green Charter guidelines. The PF will receive training in humanised mouse models, in vivo imaging and flow cytometry during an outgoing 24-month phase at the University of Zurich (Switzerland). This will be followed by a 12-month return phase at the University of Limerick (Ireland), learning in vitro T-cell assays. The PF will leverage the interdisciplinary supervisory team to meet the research & training objectives outlined, in preparation for an independent research career in the field of virus-associated diseases.

Mots clés : epstein barr virus multiple sclerosis s1pr modulation

Participants :
- Université de Zurich (Suisse) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Université de Limerick (Irlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 310636.32 €
Projet SoSAD (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Sulfuric acid clouds (SAD) play an important role in the Venus, Earth and potentially exoplanet climates. However, a systematic understanding of SAD's life cycle within terrestrial planetary evolution is still lacking. Here I propose a project that aims to understand the emergence, sustainability and extinction of SAD in the climate evolution of terrestrial planets (Objective 1), and evaluate the SAD radiative, cloud-physics and chemical feedbacks on the planetary climate evolution in a geological timescale (Objective 2). I will combine my expertise in clouds and chemistry with the supervisor's expertise in radiative transfer and exoplanet atmospheres to construct the first 1D state-of-the-art geochemistry-climate evolution model with a complete sulfur cycle included. First, I will use the model to determine the planetary environments required for SAD to emerge and exist for a long term, and to investigate the long-standing question of why Earth and Venus evolved in a divergent way. Then, I will use my new model to resolve and study the radiative, cloud-physics and chemical feedbacks of SAD on planetary climates, and investigate whether SAD's lifetime is also affected by these feedbacks. Finally, I will apply my model to exoplanets observed by the “Hot Rocks" JWST survey to explore the possibility of SAD's existence on terrestrial exoplanets. I will accomplish the objectives and contribute with broad, long-term impacts to both the Venus and Exoplanet communities, considering that three upcoming Venus missions, JWST and other space telescopes are or will be providing more observations of terrestrial planets. Through the MSCA programme, I will also establish my leadership in the interdisciplinary research community and transition from an independent researcher to a group leader, which will support my long-term goal of obtaining a permanent academic position. The host institution will also benefit from my expertise, networking and involvement in mentoring and outreach.

Mots clés : planetary evolution, the venus climate, cloud physics and chemistry, terrestrial planets

Participants :
- Université de Southampton (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 260347.92 €
Projet WATER-LDL (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

This research project addresses the critical need for improved leak detection, localization, and monitoring in aging water distribution networks (WDNs), particularly in megacities like London, Paris, and Rome. These networks face significant challenges due to environmental degradation and aging infrastructure, resulting in frequent leaks that cause water wastage and infrastructure damage. Current acoustic leak detection methods are labor-intensive and prone to errors, relying heavily on human expertise, which limits their efficiency. The project aims to go beyond the state-of-the-art by investigating the fundamental mechanisms of leak signal generation in water pipes. By integrating experimental studies, computational fluid dynamics simulations, and theoretical modeling, the research will provide a comprehensive understanding of how leak signals are affected by factors such as pipe properties, soil conditions, and leak characteristics. This knowledge will be used to develop advanced algorithms for leak identification and localization, improving accuracy by filtering out background noise and enhancing time delay estimation. Furthermore, the project will propose a real-time monitoring strategy for WDNs, enabling proactive leak management and improving water infrastructure sustainability. The interdisciplinary approach combines acoustic and vibration analysis, signal processing, and infrastructure engineering, with collaboration from international academic partners. The expected outcomes include a universal leak detection model applicable to diverse WDNs, and the development of scalable solutions that can extend to industries such as gas, hydrogen, and oil. This project promises significant contributions to both water conservation and sustainable urban infrastructure.

Mots clés : water distribution networks, leak detection, acoustic methods, signal processing, time delay estimation, computational fluid dynamics, infrastructure sustainability, real time monitoring

Participants :
- Université de Southampton (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 276187.92 €
Projet SENTINEL study (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The rising global incidence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related cancers highlights the urgent need to explore the mechanisms driving their pathogenesis. Many of these tumours are highly aggressive, with poor patient outcomes. The viral latent membrane protein-1 (LMP1) drives oncogenesis through poorly understood epigenetic mechanisms. Serotonin, which influences viral replication, has recently been linked to the regulation of gene expression in cancers via serotonylation, a newly discovered histone modification. However, whether serotonylation influences LMP1-driven oncogenesis remains unknown. Cancer-altered tryptophan metabolism reduces serotonin levels, partly through the recruitment of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1)-expressing macrophages that promote cancer progression, but it is unclear if viral factors are involved in their recruitment. Additionally, EBV binds to platelets, the body's richest serotonin source, though the significance of this interaction is also unknown. SENTINEL will adopt an interdisciplinary approach, integrating virology, epigenetics, immunology, and platelet biology to shed new insights into EBV driven cancer development. The fellowship comprises three research objectives (work packages WP1-3): WP1 will identify cellular and viral genes influenced by serotonylation, WP2 will examine EBV’s role in recruiting IDO1+ macrophages, and WP3 will investigate how platelets and platelet-derived serotonin regulate EBV’s life cycle. This research is a collaboration between leading experts in virology, epigenetics, immunology, and cancer biology, providing the Postdoctoral Fellow with a unique set of training opportunities in preparation for an independent research career. In uncovering novel tumorigenic mechanisms, the project is expected to pave the way for the development of new targeted therapies that could improve patient outcomes.

Mots clés : epstein barr virus, lymphoma, platelet, serotonin, histone serotonylation, carcinogenesis

Participants :
- Université de Zurich (Suisse) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Université de Limerick (Irlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 268568.64 €