Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet SAM (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The development of bioinspired materials that mimic animal muscles is a key step in the advancement of several scientific fields, including robotics and medicine. Muscles exhibit a unique combination of softness, mechanical resistance, adaptability and the ability to undergo large anisotropic deformations, which is so far unmatched in artificial materials. This action will develop a novel class of nanocomposite materials that mimic natural muscles by combining stimuli-responsive hydrogels (SRH) and colloidal liquid crystals (CLC). SRHs consist of a network of stimuli-responsive polymer chains and a high fraction of water. By changing the solubility of the polymer with stimuli such as temperature and light it is possible to control the amount of water in the network, thereby producing large volumetric variations. SRHs are soft and shape-compliant actuating materials like muscles, but they generally exhibit poor mechanical resistance and the volumetric expansion has no preferential direction. These limitations will be overcome by attaching the stimuli-responsive polymer chains to anisotropic colloidal particles and assembling these building blocks in a uniaxially oriented manner like CLCs. The resulting nanocomposites will be soft, yet strong, capable of actuation-like conventional SRHs, and their expansion/contraction will be directional, thanks to the preferred orientation of the colloidal particles. The proposed platform will rely on rod-like cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) that will be decorated with cross-linkable poly-N-isopropylacrylamide chains bearing photoresponsive spiropyran units (poly-spiropyrans, PSPs). CNCs are inexpensive, biocompatible and can be easily extracted from renewable resources, while PSPs are known to form photoresponsive hydrogels. The combination of these elements and integration into uniaxially oriented structures will afford a novel class of soft actuators that will bring significant advancement to fields like robotics and medicine.


Participants :
- University of Fribourg (Suisse) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 203149.44 €
Projet NMPLED (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The development of eco-friendly sun-like illumination systems is a priority in Europe. Current solutions, White Inorganic Light-Emitting Diodes (WLEDs), feature excellent efficiency and stability values but rely on rare earth and their production involves an increasing economic and ecological cost. Bio-Hybrid WLEDs (Bio-WHLEDs) represent an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective alternative. They use Fluorescent Proteins (FPs) embedded into a synthetic polymer matrix and act as the color down-converting coating. Bio-WHLEDs are currently limited to low power applications because the continued excitation of FPs promotes its denaturation. This is due to the synthetic nature of the polymeric packaging and of the type of FPs used (generally variants of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)). Despite the well-known brightness of such proteins, they have evolved as genetic reporters and not as stable photo-converting materials. In this project, we aim to design, produce and exploit improved matrixes and proteins for the new generation of all bio-based color down-converting coating. To tackle the first limitation of current Bio-WHLEDs, we propose the encapsulation of FPs into marine polysaccharide-based packaging matrices such as bio-doped alginate/ ulvan microparticles. Since the interior of these particles offers a crowded environment more similar to a natural protein surrounding, they are supposed to reduce the thermal stress and increase the photostability of the FPs. To tackle the second limitation, we propose the replacement of GFP-based proteins by Phycobiliproteins (PBPs). PBPs have evolved in nature as light-harvesting antennas in cyanobacteria, being resistant to extreme conditions (high temperature, constant illumination, high concentrations), but emit light only above 550 nm. To give a new twist in originality we propose the use of error-prone PCR and selective evolution to modify PBPs characteristics to obtain red-, green- and orange- emissions

Mots clés : bio hybrid white light emitting diodes, polysaccharides, biopolymers, protein enginiering, fluorescent proteins, phycobiliproteins

Participants :
- Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 172932.48 €
Projet ConCO2rde (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Doctoral Networks - Joint Doctorates
Panel : Environment and Geosciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The development of processes for the utilization of renewable resources is one of the main challenges of our society. The CONCO2RDE EJD will train 11 ESRs in cutting edge research projects on (i) the combination of synthetic biology approaches with metabolic and process engineering for an adaptive laboratory evolution to create an efficient route from CO2 fixation to the production of chemicals, (ii) H2/CO2/O2-based fermentation and process intensification in order to optimize commercially relevant processes together with industry, (iii) defining a road-map for the industrial implementation of autotrophic biotransformations. The double degree program allows in-depth training in two complementary disciplines, further strengthened by a transferable skills training with strong industry participation. The objectives will be attained through a consortium of one translational institute, six universities, eight industrial partners and one cluster, providing the ideal environment to foster complementary expertise in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, biocatalysis, process engineering and analytics. CONCO2RDE focuses on the development of genetic tools for strain manipulation, the integration of H2-driven biotransformations, new reactor concepts for H2/CO2/O2-based fermentation to reach high cell densities and a better understanding of the cell physiology under autotrophic culture conditions. CONCO2RDE's research agenda will be accompanied by a dedicated training of the ESRs as well as the dissemination of results to the scientific community and the wider public. The inter- and multidisciplinary setting offered through double degrees combined with industrial training in secondments and the training agenda will not only provide the tools and means necessary for the implementation of sustainable processes, but also prepare the next generation of researchers for the implementation of sustainable autotrophic processes in the European Biotech sector.

Mots clés : cupriavidus necator, carbon dioxide, gas fermentation, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, process, engineering

Participants :
- RWTH Aachen University (Allemagne) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 758365.2 €
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (Austria) (Autriche) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 528414.48 €
- Universidade Nova de Lisboa (Portugal) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 237720.24 €
- Technische Universität Berlin (Allemagne) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Institut national des sciences appliquées de Toulouse (France) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 824406.12 €
- University of Groningen (Pays-Bas) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 531239.76 €
Projet LIMO (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The discovery of first centimeter-sized chemical motors has brought great interest in the field of catalytic micro/nanomotors fabrication. Nanomotors are mostly produced via top-down approaches, are micron sized and contain hard metal surfaces, which are not suitable for biomedical applications and soft robotics. Also, the bottleneck for such nanomotors is use of toxic fuels which are both not biocompatible and quest to gain control over the directional movement and speed of the nanomotors, hence, limiting its biomedical applications. To overcome aforementioned problems, there is a need to explore alternative energy sources like magnetic, electrical, ultrasound or light to drive the nanomotors. The goal of this proposal is to harness light energy for driving nano-assemblies and to gain control over attributes like direction and speed that has not been explored before. The highlight of the proposal is the use of a unique and well-known plant compartments, thylakoids, that takes part in the complicated photosynthesis process of plant leafs. The photosystem II present in them is known to carry out water splitting reaction, thus, producing oxygen in presence of visible light. This has not been exploited before for bubble propulsion of nanomotors. Furthermore, the azobeneze moieties will aid in photomechanical movement due to cis-trans isomerization under UV light. Hence, the nanomotors will be capable of harnessing dual-light (UV and visible light) source for propulsion. This would give control over directionality and speed of the nanomotors. This design will be a paradigm shift for future nanomotor development with controlled attributes required for use in biomedical applications. The project clearly links to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships work programme as the proposed project will diversify my individual competence in terms of skill acquisition through advanced training and international mobility together with strong two way transfer of knowledge.

Mots clés : nanomotor, photochemistry, bottom up approach

Participants :
- Radboud University Nijmegen (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 165598.8 €
Projet DeepIMPACT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The discovery of galaxies formed when the Universe was less than 1 Gyr old has been a major breakthrough of extragalactic astronomy. During this period, called Epoch of Reionization (EoR), the Universe experienced a dramatic change: from being a dark “sea” of neutral hydrogen and helium, it got completely reionized and polluted with elements heavier than helium. Thus, characterizing the bulk of galaxy population at these early epochs is pivotal because of their strong impact on the cosmic evolution. The most distant galaxies have been detected searching for their Lyman-α emission (Lyman Alpha Emitters; LAEs), and/or for the “step”, introduced by the blanketing effect of neutral hydrogen into their UV continuum emission (Lyman Break Galaxies; LBGs). LAEs/LBGs are quite “normal” objects, therefore they are thought to be fairly representative of the bulk of galaxies at the end of the EoR. Our knowledge about these sources regards their stellar component (star formation rates, stellar age and mass). However, we have few clues about their interstellar medium, the properties of the giant molecular clouds (GMCs) where stars form, and, most importantly, the possible presence of faint Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). So far only extremely luminous ones, produced by gas accretion onto supermassive black holes whose formation is puzzling, have been detected during the EoR. I propose to model chemical, physical, and radiative processes in GMCs illuminated by both young stars and AGN. The aim is to quantify: (i) the impact of far-ultraviolet and X- ray photons on the clumpy structure of GMCs, (ii) the resulting time evolution of the line luminosities from GMCs (iii) whether the AGN signature can be observed in the molecular emission and (iv) which are the best LAE/LBG candidates (in term of star formation rate and age of stellar population) for observational follow up targeting the molecular gas.

Mots clés : molecular clouds, x ray dominated regions, first galaxies

Participants :
- Leiden University (Pays-Bas) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 165598.8 €
Projet TOPCHEM (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The discovery of topological insulators has ignited intensive research activity in condensed matter and materials science. However, the understanding of topological electronic structure from a chemical view is still deficient. This action proposes the investigation of novel ternary ABC topological insulators (A: alkali, alkaline earth, rare earth, Group 11, B: alkaline earth or Group 8-12, C: main group element) by focusing on three aspects: 1) growth of high-quality single crystals; 2) structural characterisation and relation between topological electronic structure and chemical concepts; 3) manipulation of electronic structure aiming at thermoelectric applications. First, high-quality ABC single crystals with selected composition will be grown by suitable methods. The Fermi level will be tuned by chemical doping or controlling the intrinsic defects to observe the topological physics. Subsequently, a detailed bulk and surface structural characterisation will be performed. The electronic structure of a material in the reciprocal space can be linked to chemical concepts in real space, such as chemical bonding, electronegativity differences, orbital overlap, etc. A systematic study of the crystalline bulk and surface structures will be performed by Synchrotron and low energy electron diffraction, and X-ray absorption near the edge, to find the relation between chemical concepts and the electronic structure of selected topological materials. Finally, based on the understanding of the relation between chemical concepts and electronic structure, the thermoelectric transport properties of these novel ABC topological insulators will be investigated and optimised for thermoelectric applications. The implementation of this project will deepen the understanding of topological chemistry and stimulate the technological application of topological materials. It will contribute to EU Horizon 2020 goals creating a single market for knowledge, research, and innovation.

Mots clés : topological insulators, thermoelectricity, single crystals, solid state chemistry

Participants :
- Max Planck Society (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 162806.4 €
Projet TOPOCIRCUS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The discovery of topological order characterising novel exotic phases of matter has generated a breakthrough in the comprehension of complex condensed matter phases. Topological invariants entirely determine the behaviour of certain observables and confer to the systems a strong robustness to perturbations. Going beyond condensed matter states, topological order can be engineered in different setups that can benefit form it and represent alternative platform for the simulation of exotic topological phases. One of the most promising candidate for such a plan is represented by superconducting circuits based on the Josephson effect. The present proposal aims at studying the interconnections between the topological notion and the Josephson effect and to propose superconducting circuits as a platform for the simulation and manipulation of novel topological phases of matter.

Mots clés : topological phases, josephson junctions, caloritronics

Participants :
- National Research Council (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 251002.56 €
- University of California System (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
Projet UGMNanoSens (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The discovery of traces of unapproved genetically modified material in imports arriving to the European Union (EU) has set the alarms on for the European authorities, leading them to reinforce their monitoring procedures. The EU has a ‘zero tolerance policy’ for virtually all unauthorised genetically modified organisms (UGM), prohibiting them to be placed on the EU market even if they have been authorised in third countries. UGM monitoring is carried out in a limited number of enforcement laboratories through highly specialised technologies, mostly based on the real-time polymerase chain reaction. The development of faster, simpler and more cost-efficient analytical systems for UGM testing is greatly encouraged by law-enforcing authorities. The increasing number of functional nanomaterials with interesting properties and exhibiting specific biomolecule interactions, e.g. DNA-graphene, has brought a wide range of opportunities to the field of DNA detection. The interest in nanomaterial-based fluorescent sensors for nucleic acid detection has been growing due to their ease of operation and high sensitivity. In this sense, the use of nanomaterials as fluorophores or quenchers has been especially sought in recent years as they have tunable optical properties and can improve the signal-to-noise ratio as compared to conventional molecular systems. Monolayer black phosphorus (BP), being an important member of the 2D-materials family, has triggered a recent resurgence of interest owing to its unique structure as well as fascinating optical and electronic properties and, most recently, BP Quantum Dots (BPQDs) have shown promising potential in a wide range of applications, some of them yet to be explored. This proposal is aimed at evaluating the use of this emergent material (BPQDs) as fluorescent-based nanoplatforms to make up a rapid and simple DNA-sensing system for monitoring unauthorised genetically modified material (“UGMNanoSens”).


Participants :
- University of Chemistry and Technology (Rép. Tchèque) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 142720.8 €
Projet SUPERSPIN (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The dissipation of heat in traditional silicon (CMOS) based electronics is a major source of inefficiency and environmental impact. Superconductors are, by nature, dissipationless. Computing via logic circuits based on Josephson junctions is also faster, but the largest remaining problem is the lagging development of low-temperature memory. To achieve the promised efficiency increases of these computers requires a new type of low-temperature memory architecture. Traditionally considered competing phenomena, when artificially juxtaposed a wealth of physics at the interface between superconductors and ferromagnets emerges. Spin-polarised Cooper pairs are capable of surviving inside a ferromagnet over much longer distances than the regular (spin-singlet, anti-parallel) pairs. This new type of Cooper pair is the building block for super-spintronics; leading to a dissipationless spin-current combined with spintronic devices. Europe risks being left behind by large US research efforts such as the IARPA C3 programme. SUPERSPIN will take advantage of spin-polarised Cooper pairs for the promising application of cryogenic memory, where information can be stored by either the state of the system (superconducting or normal), or in the phase difference between superconductors across a Josephson junction. The outgoing host Prof. Birge is the world leading expert in ferromagnetic Josephson junction devices for cryogenic memory application. The fellow will be fully integrated in his IARPA C3 funded laboratories and through the SUPERSPIN programme, of exploring candidate materials systems and developing prototypical devices, will acquire all the skills and knowledge necessary to develop these exciting advances to application the E.U. during the return phase of the project. Through SUPERSPIN, the fellow will broaden his scientific background, develop complementary knowledge in new areas, bring new knowledge from the TC host to the E.U. and increase his chances of success in academia


Participants :
- Michigan State University (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- University of Leeds (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 251857.8 €
Projet BayesianHumanCortex (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

The diversity of human cognitive abilities contrasts with the homogeneity of its neural bases. Indeed, perception, decision and language processes largely rely on a common neuronal structure – the neocortex – whose functioning remains remarkably poorly understood. Recent theories suggest that the six layers of the neocortical microcircuit are specifically interconnected to perform generic computations, thanks to a Bayesian hierarchical combination of top-down expectations (priors) and bottom-up sensory information (likelihoods). However, recording each cortical layer is technically challenging. Mainly limited to animal electrophysiology, the rare empirical investigations of neocortical operations have been incapable of tackling human-specific cognitive abilities, such as syntax processing. Capitalizing on recent advances in human electrophysiology, I will address these challenges by testing whether the elements of Bayesian computations are implemented by 1) distinct cortical layers (e.g. priors in layers 5/6) or, alternatively, 2) distinct neuronal oscillations (e.g. priors in the alpha/beta band). I will then assess whether these neuronal computations form the elementary components of syntax processing. To characterize the exchange of information within and between cortical regions, I will combine whole-brain magnetoencephalography of with invasive electrocorticography and intra-laminar recordings, acquired from patients implanted for clinical purposes. This project, at the intersection of neuroscience, computational theory and linguistics will set the foundations for a mechanistic investigation of human cognition at an unprecedented level of detail, and will therefore allow me to start a competitive scientific career as an independent researcher. Ultimately, this innovative framework will help us understand the building blocks of human cognition, and the way neocortical dysfunctions lead to complex mental disorders such as schizophrenia.

Mots clés : human electrophysiology, neocortical function, predictive coding

Participants :
- New York University (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 257860.8 €
- Max Planck Society (Allemagne) — Partner, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 0.0 €