Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet NanoImmunoRT (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

In glioblastoma (GBM), intrinsic and environmental factors are limiting the efficacy of radiation therapy (RT) and immunotherapy. These factors include intrinsic cancer cells resistance, hypoxia, and the presence of immunosuppressive cells such as tumor–associated macrophages (TAMs). Considering these current limitations for RT efficacy and the specific deleterious role of TAMs in GBM, I designed an original therapeutic strategy combining enhanced RT and TAMs reprogramming with toll-like receptors (TLRs) agonists to synergize direct cytotoxicity to tumors cells at low radiation doses with immunotherapy for both local and recurrent tumor rejection. For this, I will use relevant radio-sensitizing moieties for GBM: high Z atoms which can efficiently absorb, scatter, and emit radiation energy and catalase, an enzyme capable of converting H2O2 to oxygen in the tumor microenvironment (TME). It will be simultaneously applied with the combination of the TLRs agonists poly(I:C) and resiquimod, which will be used to re-educate TAMs and prepare the TME to a strong anti-tumoral immune response. The selected molecules will be incorporated in a new Multimodal Therapeutic NanoParticle (MTNP), based on a nanosized zeolite structure, allowing to combine the two approaches in a unique particle. The MTNPs will be tested in vitro and in vivo in murine model of GBM and patient-derived samples, to verify their effectiveness in enhancing RT and reeducating TAMs, and their effect on tumor growth. The present multidisciplinary research program aims at supporting greater progress in the treatment of brain tumors and ultimately leading to improved outcomes for cancer patients.

Mots clés : glioblatoma nanosized zeolites tumor associated macrophages tlrs agonists radiosensitizers hypoxia immunogenic cell death

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 124957.44 €
Projet SYM-EFFECT (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Nitrogen (N) is vital for plants. However, its poor availability in soils has led to the widespread use of N fertilizers resulting in environmental problems like greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. Legumes offer a sustainable alternative to N fertilizers by forming symbiotic relationships with N-fixing bacteria, known as rhizobia. Many rhizobia possess a Type III Secretion System (T3SS), to deliver effector proteins into host plants to facilitate colonization and N-fixing symbiosis. Some T3SS effectors activate host plant symbiotic signaling, while others suppress plant defense responses. Furthermore, plant genotypes with specific Resistance (R) Proteins can detect rhizobial effectors, triggering immunity, and limiting colonization. Although T3SS effector-dependent nodulation holds potential for enhancing N-fixing interactions in agricultural settings, research remains limited. Nodulation outer protein I (NopI) from rhizobia Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 enhances symbiosis in commercial soybean. However, there are gaps in our knowledge regarding NopI function, interactions with plant targets, and recognition by R proteins. In this MSCA fellowship, I will address these gaps using interdisciplinary approaches: Genome-wide association Studies, interactomics, and NopI structural determination. In addition, I will explore the custom engineering of rhizobial T3SS effectors for modifying symbiosis, an innovative and timely strategy for improving host-rhizobia compatibility. The host lab will provide a unique opportunity for me to expand my knowledge into the “bacterial side” of the legume-rhizobia interaction while sharing my expertise in the “plant side”. I will have valuable networking opportunities and cutting-edge training in protein biochemistry and structural analysis, providing me with an interdisciplinary skills base to lead my own future research group focused on plant-symbiotic interactions and their practical applications in crop improvement.

Mots clés : nitrogen fixing rhizobia, soybean, symbiosis, type iii secretion system, bacterial effectors, plant defence

Participants :
- Université de Séville (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 181152.96 €
Projet superbiOmAT (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Superabsorbent materials (SAMs) can absorb and retain large amounts of water (>10 times their weight). Hence, they have many applications, such as soil conditioners, diapers, menstrual pads, and wound dressings. Thus, in 2021 SAMs global market was valued at $8.6 billion. However, one of the main concerns about their use is that they are often based on acrylic acid and polyacrylamide, which are petroleum-derived, difficult to degrade, and their degradation products could be toxic. The superbiOmAT project will take this challenge by developing SAMs based on oat protein (OP). The specific objectives are to increase water binding capacity of OP through chemical functionalisation, to process OP through electrospinning and 3D printing, and to evaluate the potential of superbiOmAT in different applications. OP is an under-exploited by-product after β-glucan extraction. However, its high lysine content makes it a good target for functionalisation by acylation to enhance its water binding capacity. Electrospinning and 3D-printing could be particularly interesting for developing SAMs, yet not fully explored for protein matrices. The superbiOmAT project will revalorise OP and open a portfolio of new bio-based SAMs. A commercial interest in the results of this project is expected and protection of IPR will be prioritised. Amongst general public and targeted audiences, the project will raise awareness of the pollution created by petroleum-derived SAMs and their potential toxicity. This project is in line with a more sustainable production system and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN Agenda 2030). superbiOmAT will be carried out by Dr. Barbara Tomadoni with the supervision of Prof. Antonio Guerrero at University of Seville, Spain. The researcher will gain maturity and independence through the realisation of this project, following her training and career development plan, thanks to the supervisor’s experience and the host institution’s education and training programmes.

Mots clés : 3d printing electrospinning oat protein superabsorbent materials

Participants :
- Université de Séville (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 181152.96 €
Projet ESSA (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The ESSA project will challenge the Egyptological scholarly narrative that has for centuries contextualised ancient Egypt in relation to the Mediterranean and the Near East and simultaneously overlooked its position on the African continent, minimising its relations with sub-Saharan cultures. This transformative objective will be achieved with the creation of a catalogue of motifs, symbols, and cultural traits shared by several ancient cultures. By presenting the key elements of cultural exchange, the project aims to disrupt traditional perspectives of Egyptology. The ESSA will adopt a diachronic approach and systematically examine different phases of the relations, which will allow for a nuanced evaluation of changes and/or continuity of cultural values over time. Moreover, it will delve into how these cultural shifts relate to the prevailing political dynamics of each period. The overarching goal of the ESSA project is to recontextualise ancient Egyptian civilisation, not only in relation to other African cultures but will instead, reposition it as an integral part of the African continent.

Mots clés : ancient egypt, nubia, african archaeology, cultural exchange

Participants :
- Université de naples - l'orientale (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 172750.08 €
Projet CURATIVE (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a highly aggressive paediatric cancer, accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths. The 5-year survival rate for high-risk NB patients is less than 50%. Despite the significant advances in treatment options, the high tumour heterogeneity, drug resistance, and severe toxicities associated with conventional therapies continue to result in poor outcomes for high-risk NB patients. Recent studies showed that these challenges, along with frequent relapses, may be linked to the intrinsic resistance of a specific population of cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). CURATIVE aims to address this by developing a chitosan-based nanoparticle (NP) that co-encapsulates a systematically identified and optimized synergistic combination of drugs designed to target both CSCs and a key mechanism driving NB progression. The NP, which will enable controlled and sustained drug release, will be coated with plasma membranes derived from NB cells to enhance tumour targeting and accumulation through homotypic targeting. By leveraging the innovative use of NB cell membranes, the NP can closely mimic the tumour environment, allowing it to evade the immune system and preferentially accumulate at the tumour site. This approach enhances both specificity and efficacy, while simultaneously reducing off-target effects and minimizing systemic toxicity. The expected outcomes of CURATIVE include increased survival and treatment efficacy, reduced relapse rates and toxicity, and improved quality of life for paediatric patients. Overall, CURATIVE is positioned to provide valuable insights and resources to the scientific community, supporting the EU's objectives of advancing innovation in paediatric cancer care.

Mots clés : neuroblastoma, nanomedicine, pediatric cancer therapy

Participants :
- Université de Navarre (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 194074.56 €
Projet EVRISK (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The sales share of electric vehicles (EV) in Europe rose to 10% in 2020 as compared to 3.2% in 2019. This trend is projected to increase to 19% in 2025 and 35% in 2030. This positive trend comes with the safety risk and hazards associated with EVs. The current immediate need of research must be concentrated for indoor car parks due to its comparatively higher risk than any other open spaces. To date, there is no specific study on EV fire safety in car parks which is concerning given that the number of EV fleets are growing at a rapid pace in Europe. With past incidents of burning EV vehicles related to the charging process as well as with the ongoing battery fire safety issues, there is an urgent need to explore in detail within the topic of EV fire safety in car parks. Recent searches from building codes from Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Austria have concluded that there are no specific fire safety design regulations for EVs in car parks. Responding to this research and policy gap, this inter-disciplinary project aims to develop a state-of-the-art risk assessment model that can be used to quantitatively measure the risk of EV fire in indoor car parks. To achieve the aim, two main objectives have to be fulfilled. O1 - To establish a qualitative and quantitative fire risk assessment model that can be used to measure risk level of specific car park design. O2 - To propose prevention and mitigation measures in a selected architectural design of car parks. To accomplish the objectives, activities such engagements, assessments, and simulation work are planned within the 5 work packages proposed in the project. The output from the assessment can be used to develop specific prevention and mitigation measures for specific car park design that can lead to minimization of the impact of EV fire. The model can also be used as a baseline to develop a policy or regulation for authorities having jurisdiction.

Mots clés : fire, safety, building, integration, electric vehicle, parking, risk assessment, fire risk analysis

Participants :
- Université de Navarre (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 181152.96 €
Projet DAPHNE (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Cultural heritage materials can be the starting point for the experimentation of binding materials to be used in the field of constructions. It is the case of hydraulic mortars from ancient Roman aqueducts. In fact, the preliminary characterization of these mortars revealed the occurrence of an amorphous binder, which composition is comparable to a calcium-sodium/potassium aluminosilicate hydrate (C-(N,K)-A-S-H). However, the factors that allowed the formation of this peculiar binder, not previously attested in other ancient structures, are still unknown. The aim of DAPHNE is to elucidate the chemical composition and physical structure of amorphous/nanocrystalline binders in ancient Roman mortars and understand the processes that lead to their formation using geochemical experimentation. In the future, the assessment of the properties of the amorphous binder can verify its employability as sustainable and durable material for cement industry applications, chasing the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mots clés : amorphous binder, ancient roman mortars, materials science

Participants :
- Université Grenoble Alpes (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 226420.56 €
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet OPTIGREEN (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Air pollution presents a significant public health challenge, contributing to approximately 9 million premature deaths globally each year, including 400,000 in Europe. Green infrastructure (GI)—encompassing urban trees, green roofs, and green walls-offers an innovative solution to mitigate the impacts of urban pollution while enhancing public health and quality of life. These approaches are not only cost-effective but also play a crucial role in promoting sustainability. OPTIGREEN seeks to develop a comprehensive methodology for designing, planning, and managing green infrastructure in European cities, with Pamplona serving as the pilot case. This methodology will determine optimal GI configurations to effectively reduce concentrations of harmful air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), thereby improving respiratory and cardiovascular health. A key output of the project will be the development of an interactive geographic viewer, which will serve as a practical and versatile tool for dynamically visualizing and analyzing different intervention scenarios within the city. The project’s impact will be substantial, combining scientific innovation through the use of advanced computational fluid dynamics models with a practical framework that empowers urban planners and policymakers to make informed decisions for improving urban sustainability. OPTIGREEN will address critical challenges in green infrastructure management, including adapting designs to specific local conditions and efficiently implementing them in complex urban environments. By directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goals, OPTIGREEN will integrate science, technology, and urban planning to transform how cities tackle air pollution and its health impacts. With its interdisciplinary approach, the project will positively impact Pamplona and serve as a replicable model for other European cities, promoting healthier, more sustainable urban environments.

Mots clés : efficient gi scenarios, computional fluid dynamics cfd , pollution and health impact indices, interdisciplinary team, interactive wiewer, advanced data management platfform, nature based solutions

Participants :
- Centre de recherches énergétiques, environnementales et technologiques (Espagne) — Partner, associated partner, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €
- Université de Navarre (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 341898.72 €
- Université de Toronto (Canada) — Partner, associated partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet TopQMat (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Discovering routes to guide materials into desired phases through so-called topological phase transitions is one of the goals in modern condensed matter physics. The properties and invariants of topological materials are strongly related to the existence or breaking of certain symmetries, and by using external perturbations, topological phase transitions can be induced. However, ultrafast nonequilibrium processes hold the potential to revolutionise the manipulation of topology in quantum materials. TopQMat is an ambitious project which aims to drive ultrafast topological phase transitions in quantum materials and measure the associated modification of topological character of their electronic band structure with angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy. More specifically, the focus is (i) to develope innovative measurement techniques to probe the topological character of energy bands (Berry curvature, orbital pseudospin texture, Bloch wavefunction) using time-, angle-, and polarization-resolved multidimensional photoemission spectroscopy, under non-equilibrium conditions, (ii) throught femtosecond laser pulses, employ impulsive excitation of coherent phonon modes to periodically alter the symmetry of the lattice, to induce ultrafast out-of-equilibrium topological phase transition, and (iii) study and induce Floquet-Bloch engineering of topological states in optically driven quantum materials, aiming to identify the conditions and microscopic mechanisms that enable their creation with non-trivial topological characteristics. This project will push the boundaries of current knowledge on topological matter and ARPES measurements.These aspects are crucial for understanding the behaviour of materials and their electronic properties. By employing cutting-edge techniques and methodologies the project seeks to unravel the nature of local topology in the electronic structure during out-of-equilibrium topological phase transitions.

Mots clés : topological materials, topological phase transitions, quantum materials, arpes, ultrafast dynamics, nonequilibrium phases

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 226420.56 €
Projet KOINEPOLIS (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

This research will provide an interdisciplinary and innovative approach to thinking about political knowledge in democratic Athens by focusing the attention on a highly topical issue: urban commons, which can be defined as collectively shared spaces, resources, or concerns, of everyday city life. Thus, this project will contribute the first application of the theory of the urban commons to the analysis of the relationship between diverse spaces of the Athenian polis and distinct strategies of political knowledge dissemination. It will start from the premise that the debate on the commons is not unprecedented. In fact, in Thucydides’ account of Pericles’ Funeral Oration, Athens is said to be openly shared as a common resource (πόλιν κοινὴν). Following this idea, and in line with recent works on the city as a commons, the first hypothesis of this project is that the Athenian polis can be considered a commons in itself, managed by ordinary citizens who participate in the daily political life of direct democracy, but also by the rest of the inhabitants, who develop practices of commoning in those spaces where people of different legal status can interact. Relying on the relevance of space in social sciences as defended by the spatial turn, the project will address a second hypothesis: (that) the urban commons of democratic Athens are essential for the dissemination of political knowledge, and that its management (including the rules for its use and the commoners who are included or excluded from it) determines the degree of diffusion of that knowledge. Thus, the main objective of this study will be to map and analyse different strategies of political knowledge management, associated with the openness or enclosure tendency of the shared spaces under consideration. As a result of examining the coexistence of opposed strategies of knowledge distribution in classical Athens, this research will offer a new perspective on dissent in democratic Athens.

Mots clés : ancient greek political thought plato classical athens urban commons

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 242260.56 €
Projet GLUGLU (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) are membrane proteins targeted by around 30 % of all marketed drugs. GPCR internalization is a mechanism that tunes the cell surface versus intracellular receptor ratio, a parameter that plays an essentiG protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) internalization is a mechanism involved in the tuning of cell surface versus intracellular receptor ratio, a parameter that plays an essential role in controlling receptor physiological responses. This process is very well described for many GPCRs but surprisingly not for metabotropic glutamate receptors, mandatory dimeric GPCRs that are ubiquitously expressed in the brain to regulate neuronal transmission. Deciphering which are the internalization pathways related to mGlus emerge as a strategy for the regulation of their response to not only drugs but also endogenous neurotransmitters. I propose to examine the internalization profiles of mGlus in brain cells and to unravel the structural and molecular mechanisms involved in the process. I will use a biophysical technique optimized by the host team that allows the real-time and quantitative measurement of receptor internalization in both recombinant cells and brain cells, in combination with a microscopy approach that will complement the analysis. On top of that, I will use nanomolar range affinity nanobodies, single domain antibodies that have already been developed by the host team as a tool for ultimately elucidate which are the internalization profile of mGlus in brain cells. As a consequence of this project, the internalization profile of mGlus in neurons and astrocytes, and the cell machinery responsible for this process will be clarified for the first time. This knowledge will allow the fine-tuning of mGlus localization in the cell, as well as the validation of the nanobodies as a tool for studying endogenous mGlus. These outcomes will upgrade the current resources that the scientific community has to modulate mGlu receptor-mediated responses.

Mots clés : g protein coupled receptors, metabotropic glutamate receptors, internalization, receptor trafficking, receptor signalling, endogenous receptors, nanobodies

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 195914.88 €