Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet iDESIGN (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Doctoral Networks - Industrial Doctorates
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Whilst the need to generate new therapeutics has never been more important, drug discovery is at the same time becoming much more difficult. In short, we need to be more efficient at developing drugs. One way of achieving this is to reduce the attrition rates, which currently blight the drug-discovery process, by populating compound screening libraries with more structurally diverse and higher quality, i.e. designed, molecules to provide better starting points for drug development. Pharma also needs a new type of researcher given an increasing proportion of scientists are now finding employment in smaller companies, where they need to be more flexible, entrepreneurial and business-aware. iDESIGN seeks to address these key challenges by combining the complementary expertise from both academic and industrial sectors. iDESIGN has the following Principal Objectives: 1) to use the ESRs' individual research projects to develop new, structurally diverse, 'smart' compound libraries for the sector to use in hit-identification screening campaigns; 2) to provide a training programme which will see the ESRs becoming expert synthetic and medicinal chemists, confident research scientists, consummate professionals, effective communicators and innovators with a creative and entrepreneurial spirit. iDESIGN will begin with an academic training phase, during which the ESRs will undertake project-wide training whilst acquiring the synthesis skills to generate bespoke molecular scaffolds, which they will elaborate and validate using in silico and experimental methods. The ESRs will then transfer to one of the industrial partners to take full advantage of their Industrial Supervisors' expertise and the available instrumentation to complete the library-generation aspect of their research projects. All 6 ESRs will return to Birmingham for their final 2 months to allow their Academic Supervisors to oversee directly the final stages of their PhD thesis preparation.

Mots clés : chemical libraries, diversity oriented synthesis, lead like molecules, chemical space

Participants :
- University of Birmingham (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 622489.06 €
- Analyticon discovery gmbh (Allemagne) — Partner, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 318443.28 €
- syncom (Pays-Bas) — Partner, organization partner, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 0.0 €
- Apconix (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, organization partner, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 0.0 €
- syncom (Pays-Bas) — Partner, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 624248.24 €
Projet POLYGARCH (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Whole-genome duplication (WGD) is arguably the most severe mutation that an organism may undergo. As such, WGDs are often fatal, but the resulting polyploids that survive the initial shock to cellular processes may ultimately thrive. Whether conditions created by WGDs are beneficial or detrimental to adaptation is a long-standing question in evolutionary biology, with important implications for domestication and crop breeding. A key determinant of evolutionary responses is the genetic and genomic architecture of adaptive traits: i.e. the control of phenotypes by one or many loci, the interactions between alleles, positions of loci in relation to genomic features, and structural arrangements. By combining cutting-edge evolutionary modelling, novel machine-learning tools, and multi-species genomic data from short- and long-read sequencing, I propose to determine how WGDs alter the genetic and genomic architecture of local adaptation. Such knowledge will advance our understanding of the evolutionary success of polyploids, provide insights into factors influencing the current distribution of polypoid populations and species, as well as yield important information for predicting how polyploids respond to environmental change.

Mots clés : polyploidy, local adaptation, genetic architecture, structural variation

Participants :
- University of Nottingham (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 212933.76 €
Projet PrunMut (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Whole-genome sequencing using novel Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies allows to mine for induced genomic or transcriptomic differences in non-model plant species, and is providing a universal and generic platform for the isolation of genes including spontaneously mutated loci important for breeding or biotechnological applications. Moreover, two spontaneous early-flowering apricot mutants ‘Rojo Pasión Precoz’ and ‘Búlida Precoz’ have been recently discovered in Southern Spain, derived from commercial cultivars. This unique plant material represents an excellent opportunity for deciphering the basis of early-flowering in apricot and to speed up the long-term breeding process for precocity as there is need to introgress other traits. PrunMut is aimed at (1) generating genomic resources for the identification candidate casual mutation in the two apricot mutants ‘Rojo Pasión Precoz’ and ‘Búlida Precoz’, also useful apricot breeding programs; (2) identifying candidate causal mutations of early flowering in the two mutants and shed light on mutation rate in this species; (3) evaluating the impact of the candidate casual mutation and give cues on the control of flowering date in the two mutants and (4) transfer of result for breeding and functional genomics. To develop markers for Prunus breeding programs aimed at early/late flowering date and to build collaborations for future functional genomics validation.

Mots clés : mutation, bioinformatics, transcriptomics, flowering date, prunus

Participants :
- Max Planck Society (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 171460.8 €
Projet TURNEYES (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Why are some politicians electorally ‘punished’ for immoral behavior while others are not and how can we explain voters’ heterogeneous responses to identical moral transgressions? Despite decades of study, these two questions remain unanswered. Understanding voters' responses to politicians’ immoral behavior is important as scandals reduce citizens’ trust in both politicians and the political system, and lead to dissatisfaction with representative democracy. When politicians can avoid accountability for immoral actions, they may be personally protected from consequences, yet democracy itself suffers. Our knowledge of political scandals is seriously limited by (1) not considering voters’ moral principles and moral identity, (2) using self-reports of emotional responses and (3) not studying politicians’ moral violations in the context of complex election campaigns. This groundbreaking study, 'Turning a Blind Eye to Scandal’ provides a testable theoretical model of voter response to political scandal. It takes an interdisciplinary approach by (a) integrating social-psychological theories such as Moral Identity Theory and Moral Foundation Theory with political science theories of expressive partisanship and affective partisan polarization and (b) employing a unique multimethod design combining survey embedded vignette experiments with innovative laboratory experiments using Dynamic Process Tracing and psychophysiological measures. This study is the first to examine how voters’ responses to politicians’ moral transgressions -including voting behavior- are driven by (1) individual characteristics such as voters’ moral identity, moral principles and partisan identity, and (2) characteristics of the political context such as affective polarization. This fellowship brings together research expertise from the University of Nottingham and the University of Delaware and trains the applicant for cutting-edge research and future academic leadership in political psychology.

Mots clés : political scandal, moral transgressions, partisan identity, affective partisan polarization, democratic accountability

Participants :
- University of Nottingham (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 271732.8 €
- University of Delaware (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet EPIDYN (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Why are there so many species in the tropics? Ecologists have no definite answer to this question. While theories explaining biodiversity maintenance have arisen in the past few decades, testing them with empirical data in tropical rainforests can be challenging because of the slow dynamics of tree communities. By focusing on bryophytes and lichens living on leaves - ‘epiphylls’ - EPIDYN aims to test the two main types of biodiversity theories in an ecological system of much faster dynamics and easier replication than tropical rain forests, while maintaining similarly high levels of biodiversity. To this end, leaves will be monitored in a tropical rainforest in Panama under different light and moisture conditions - the most limiting factors for bryophytes and lichens in tropical rainforests. In so doing, EPIDYN will be the first study to explicitly address species interactions and community dynamics among epiphyll species within leaves. Theoretical models of biodiversity maintenance in plant communities range from ‘neutral theories’ to niche-based models. In both types of models, species interactions play an important role, but the predicted outcomes differ. For example, in vegetation succession, the neutral ‘priority effect’ predicts that any first species to arrive in a new habitat will dominate, while models favoring ecological niches consider a range of species interactions, both negative (competition, allopathy) and positive (facilitation). In this project I aim to determine: (1) which are the most appropriate theoretical models to describe species interactions and successional dynamics in epiphyll communities, and (2) how the relative applicability of each model depends on environmental conditions. Using state-of-the-art spatial pattern analysis as well as innovative model testing, EPIDYN will provide an original approach to testing fundamental ecological theory in an abundant but little-researched miniature-scale ecosystem.

Mots clés : dynamics, epiphylls, bryophytes, lichens, ecology

Participants :
- Philipps University of Marburg (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 192542.4 €
- Smithsonian Institution (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Autres, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet TICKLE ME (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Why can’t you tickle yourself? Previous behavioural and neuroimaging evidence suggests that when we move one hand to touch the other, the resulting tactile sensation is perceived as less intense compared to identical touches of external origin. This sensory attenuation (SA) phenomenon is hypothesized to arise because our brains use internal information about the motor command (efference copy) to predict the tactile consequences of the movement and attenuate the tactile feedback based on these predictions. However, little is known about how the brain produces SA. ‘TICKLE ME’ combines, for the first time, computational motor control theory, force perception behavioural experiments, and state-of-the-art neuroimaging methods to address how the human brain distinguishes between self-generated and externally-generated touch. The project aims to: - clarify the principal importance of voluntary motor commands, efference copy, and perceived physical contact of body parts in a series of behavioural experiments - identify the neuroanatomical network responsible for generating SA by using state-of-the-art functional magnetic resonance imaging - investigate how the brain learns to predict the sensory consequences of our actions by using error-driven learning mechanisms - develop a novel neurocomputational model of SA The project will result in a synergy between the applicant’s highly interdisciplinary profile and the high quality of the host institution. The applicant has experience in different scientific areas such as experimental cognitive psychology, psychophysics, virtual reality, computational modeling and programming as well as a background in electrical engineering that makes her uniquely suited to carry out this project. Additionally, the Karolinska Institutet, the Department of Neuroscience, and in particular Prof. Henrik Ehrsson will provide valuable theoretical knowledge in sensorimotor control as well as technical expertise in neuroimaging in support of the project.

Mots clés : tickle, force matching, sensory attenuation, sensorimotor control, tactile predictions, forward models, cerebellum, somatosensory cortex, parietal cortex, functional magnetic resonance imaging

Participants :
- Karolinska Institutet (Suède) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 173857.2 €
Projet SOCIORATS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Why do humans behave pro-socially to such an extent that it supports the life of other individuals? Similarly, why do certain people harm others by hurting and sometimes killing? Finally, how can we promote pro-sociality and limit harmful actions? The philosopher and economist Adam Smith considered that what motivates us to help a person is that we can “place ourselves in his situation, we conceive ourselves enduring all the same torments", thus, holding empathy as the driving force of prosociality. Human neuroimaging studies show that two brain structures, the anterior insula (AI) and the rostral cingulate cortex (rCC), are involved in empathy. Yet, it remains unknown whether these structures are involved in consequent behaviors, i.e., helping or hurting others. With this fellowship, I intend to fill this gap: I propose an approach to causally test Adam Smith's theory, which will produce findings of tangible societal benefits by informing populations worldwide whether prosocial programs can limit fighting and bullying, and by providing novel pharmacological targets for the treatment anti-social disorders. Because human neuroimaging is severely limited in its ability to establish causal links between brain activity and behavior, we will use a rat model to study empathy-driven prosociality. Considering that a suited rodent model is completely lacking in the field, we will develop a paradigm where actor rats choose between two levers; while both yield the same reward, one requires more effort to be activated. Once preference for the easy lever has been quantified, it will be paired with an electric shock delivered to another rat. The impact of social distress on the actor's choice will provide a way to study prosocial and aggressive behavior. In a second time, we will deactivate the rCC and AI in order to causally explore the role of each structure in prosociality. Finally, we will use calcium-imaging to map and characterize the neural networks involved.

Mots clés : empathy, prosociality, aggression, social distress, anterior insula, rostral cingulate cortex

Participants :
- Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 165598.8 €
Projet SUPPMIL (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Why do national political parties and individual members of parliament (MPs) adopt different attitudes towards UN and NATO operations? To tackle this question, the project adopts a multi-method approach and brings together quantitative text analysis and case-studies investigation. First, the quantitative text analysis addresses thirty years of parliamentary debates in Canada, Germany, Italy, UK, and US, and discussions in the UN Security Council (UNSC) and in the North Atlantic Council. Second, the project entails case studies on two UN missions, the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo, and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon and two NATO missions, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Results of the multi-method analysis enrich the theoretical debate about the factors that explain levels of support for military missions: the elaboration and the empirical testing of two unified theories for MPs and political parties’ positions on armed interventions abroad is a key innovative contribution. Second, the case-studies analysis provides novel insights about states and parties’ rhetoric and behaviour, contributing to relevant academic debates on international norms, rhetorical political analysis, and organised hypocrisy. The theoretical implications range from the political salience of different missions to the discrepancies of Foreign Policy positions over the domestic-international divide. In addition, the project provides significant methodological improvements. The combination of quantitative with qualitative text-analysis tools offers intriguing insights about the strengths and weaknesses of the two approaches and about the potential for their interaction. Finally, the project aims at refining the rigorousness of Bayesian process tracing, building systematic rules to assign different causal weights to different observations. In this context, the employment of MPs’ personal characteristics and institutional roles to establish such rules seems a promising path.

Mots clés : multilateral military missions, political attitudes, foreign policy analysis, quantitative text analysis

Participants :
- University of Colorado System (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Autres, subvention : 0.0 €
- University of Warwick (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 271732.8 €
Projet Temperament-Anxiety (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Why do some children develop anxiety while others do not? Behaviorally inhibited temperament is a strong risk factor for pediatric anxiety disorders, but not all children with behavioral inhibition develop anxiety. Identifying risk and protective factors in children with behavioral inhibition could improve early detection and prevention of anxiety disorders. I will focus on early adolescence, a pivotal developmental period for social and neural changes as well as for the development of anxiety. Notably, these changes unfold differently in boys and girls, which could influence risk for anxiety in sex-specific ways, thereby creating a female preponderance of anxiety. The goal of this study is to identify social and neural moderators of the temperament-anxiety association in boys and girls. This fellowship will be embedded in the Generation R Study at Erasmus University Rotterdam, a unique interdisciplinary prospective cohort following 1232 children since birth. Data on temperament (at 3 years), social and neural factors (from 7-13 years), and anxiety symptoms (at 13 years) have been collected. I will study social and neural factors in a novel way by focusing on multi-informant measures of peer relations, multi-modal quantification of in-lab social behavior, and developmental trajectories of resting-state functional connectivity. The large sample size provides the unique opportunity to examine sex differences. This fellowship will allow me to bring the knowledge and skills I acquired in the USA to the Netherlands. I will expand my line of research to include social and protective factors, longitudinal resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, and epidemiological methods. I will learn how to foster a strong mutual connection between research and clinical practice. Finally, I will systematically set up outreach activities, especially for children, to bridge science and society. Together, this enhances my long-term career success in academia.

Mots clés : anxiety, temperament, peer relations, fmri

Participants :
- Erasmus University Rotterdam (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 187572.48 €
Projet CALLAX (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Why does our brain have two hemispheres and what is the role of connections between them? While it is well known that in humans, each hemisphere has functional specializations, we have little mechanistic understanding of how circuits communicate across the corpus callosum that connects the hemispheres. Moreover, the role of these callosal axons, and the information they convey is highly debated. There are two main hypotheses: One suggests that callosal axons have mainly an inhibitory action in the other hemisphere, while the other suggests that the effect is excitatory. Importantly, this century-old debate among cognitive psychologists and neuroscientists remains to be tested. Here I hypothesize that these views are most likely too simplified. Instead, I propose that the actions of these axons are rather complex, causing sequences of excitation and inhibition. Moreover, I propose that it may be more relevant to study what information is conveyed by the callosal axons. To test this, I will use two-photon microscopy and calcium indicators to study the effects of callosal input on the somatosensory cortex of mice that are trained to perform a tactile discrimination task. The combination of state-of-the-art microscopy, novel viral methods and mouse behavior makes this project very timely. I will monitor the activity of thousands of neurons in a specialized part of the rodent somatosensory cortex, called the barrel cortex, while head-fixed mice perform a whisker-dependent object localization task under the microscope. This high spatial resolution technique also allows monitoring directly the activity of callosal axons. Finally, I will use optogenetics to inhibit callosal input specifically and measure how this influences cortical circuits and behavior. My findings will provide for the first time a mechanistic understanding of the role of the connections between our hemispheres and provide a framework for understanding diseases that affect the corpus callosum.

Mots clés : corpus callosum, interhemispheric, in vivo calcium imaging, barrel cortex, optogenetics

Participants :
- University of Oslo (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 208400.4 €